A new and more intense heatwave from Africa: temperatures of up to 40°C from Monday, even in the south

A new and more intense heatwave of African origin is set to hit Italia and Western Europe over the coming days. Following a weekend of partial respite, with thunderstorms and localised hailstorms mainly in the north and along the Apennines, the subtropical high-pressure system will begin to strengthen rapidly again as early as Monday.

The new surge in temperatures will be caused by a weather pattern known as an ‘omega block’, as explained by the CNR in a statement: a low-pressure system to the west of the Iberian Peninsula will draw in hot air of desert origin, whilst another low-pressure system will become established between Eastern Europe and the Black Sea, trapping the high-pressure system over the same areas for an extended period.

Unlike previous heatwaves, which had seen France and Spain take centre stage with peaks of up to 44–45°C across the Alps and 42–43°C on the Iberian Peninsula, this time Italia will be fully affected, including the southern regions that have so far remained on the periphery. This is highlighted by Edoardo Ferrara, a meteorologist at 3bmeteo.com, who states that from Wednesday 15th, temperatures of up to 38–41°C in the south, 42–43°C in Sardinia and Sicily, and up to 40°C in the inland areas of central Italy cannot be ruled out.

The first signs of the heatwave are expected as early as Monday, with highs of 37–39°C in Sardinia and 36–38°C in inland areas; from Tuesday, the heat could intensify further, with temperatures reaching 40°C or above in Sardinia, Sicily and central Italia.

In the north, maximum temperatures will be slightly lower, but it is the muggy conditions that will be of particular concern, as they are set to make the heat feel even more oppressive both in the Po Valley and along the coast. There will be plenty of tropical nights, with minimum temperatures in many towns likely to remain above 24–25°C.