The fierce heat wave across Europe will also hit Italy, where temperature peaks are expected to reach 48 C in the south of the country, triggering a red alert in the four cities of Rome, Bari, Campobasso and Rieti, according to the Health Ministry.
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The high temperatures, which are expected to last over the weekend, are a result of a subtropical anticyclone travelling from Africa to Southern Europe.
The heat wave will expand throughout the week, and more cities will issue a red alert on Wednesday, including Palermo, Frosinone, Latina and Perugia.
By Thursday, some ten cities will be on red alert, and another eight in amber.
The gust of hot air will push temperatures to up to 48C in the south, but will also affect central and northern cities with up to 38C expected in Rome, Bologna, and Florence.
The impact of the heat wave comes not only from the high temperatures, but in its duration which could last up to Sunday and further.
The arrival of the heat wave coincides with dozens of devastating fires still active in the south of Italy.
Australian Associated Press
