Tourists in Italy Warned of ‘Extreme’ Heat
The Italian Health Ministry has a red alert heat warning in ten cities, including Rome, due to the severity of the heat wave and the potential risks it poses to public health.
According to CNN’s Barbie Nadeau, temperatures are expected to reach historic highs in these areas. Despite the extreme weather conditions, it appears that some tourists are still attempting to visit the popular sights in Rome and other affected cities, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
As the Ministry explains, it is important for both tourists and locals alike to prioritise their well-being and take necessary precautions during this period of intense heat.
While exploring the sights and attractions may be tempting, the authority also advised that it is essential to heed the warnings given by local authorities and health experts. Based on the Ministry’s advised, staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned spaces when possible, and being aware of the signs of heat-related illness are essential for personal safety in such extreme weather conditions.
On July 14, Italian authorities also raised an “extreme” health risk alert for 16 cities, including Rome and Florence, for last weekend due to a heat wave engulfing Europe.
Moreover, a climate scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA) said that the islands of Sicily and Sardinia could experience temperatures as high as 48 degrees Celsius. The ESA pointed out that these temperatures would potentially be the hottest ever recorded in Europe.
At the same time, Rome is projected to reach a scorching temperature of 44 degrees Celsius.
In addition to the 16 cities mentioned earlier, Italian authorities have now issued the second-highest heat warning to nine more cities. The country’s Health Ministry is urging the public to take precautions such as staying hydrated, consuming lighter meals, and avoiding direct sunlight from 11 a.m. to six p.m. The same revealed that these measures can help minimise the risks associated with extreme heat.
Furthermore, ESA has cautioned that the heat wave affecting Europe now is just the beginning. Spain, France, Germany, and Poland are among the countries expected to experience extreme weather conditions. This comes at a time when the continent is witnessing a significant influx of tourists, marking the first time since the Coronavirus pandemic that travel has resumed on such a scale.
