Italy is experiencing a significant heatwave following severe thunderstorms that hit the northern regions earlier this week.

Meteorologists predict that this weekend will be the hottest of the year, with temperatures soaring to 40°C in cities like Ferrara, Florence, and Terni.

Currently, cities such as Perugia and Rome are under a red alert for extreme heat, with more cities expected to join them in the coming days.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that July 2024 was the second hottest month globally, just slightly cooler than July 2023. This unusual weather pattern, characterized by intense heat and sudden storms, is becoming the new norm for summer in the 21st century, driven by the persistent African anticyclone.

As the heat continues, experts warn of potential thunderstorms in the northern regions, but the oppressive heat is expected to dominate until at least mid-August.