Heatwave: temperatures in Sardinia have exceeded 40 degrees in the Sulcis and Nuoro areas. Fire risk alert

High temperatures are also expected in other cities across the peninsula. From Foggia, where temperatures are forecast to reach 41 or 42 degrees, to Ascoli at 40, and then Agrigento, Florence, Terni and Forlì at 39.

Attention remains focused on Friday, when temperatures are expected to peak. Hence the Civil Protection Agency’s advice on how to deal with the emergency.

Tips for coping with the heat

Firstly, avoid going out during the hottest part of the day, from 12 noon to 6 pm, especially if you are at risk. As for what to do at home, protect yourself from the sun’s heat with curtains or shutters. There are also dietary recommendations: ‘In general, eat light meals and plenty of fruit, and drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcoholic drinks and caffeine.’ As for clothing, it is advisable to wear light, pale-coloured clothes and hats and to avoid synthetic fabrics. “If there are sick people at home, make sure they are not wrapped up too warmly,” emphasise the Civil Protection authorities. Those at risk include the elderly, people who are not self-sufficient or are convalescing, people who take medication regularly, babies and young children, and those who exercise or carry out strenuous work outdoors.”

Fire emergency

It is not just the high temperatures that are causing concern. Closely linked to this is the fire emergency. In Sardinia, volunteers, forest rangers and firefighters have been working for days to try to extinguish the numerous fires that have broken out. Following the fires of recent days, blazes have broken out in Carbonia, where the SS 126 has been temporarily closed, and in Aglientu in northern Sardinia, where, less than 24 hours after the last remaining hotspots had been extinguished, the large fire reignited; for three consecutive days, it had consumed over 25 hectares of pine forest and Mediterranean scrub near Naracu Nieddu beach, on the northern Sardinian coast between Castelsardo and Santa Teresa Gallura. The regional Forestry Corps and a helicopter from the Limbara base are on the scene. There are also fires in Domusnovas in the Sulcis area, near scattered houses.

Several areas of Piedmont have also been battling the flames in recent days, with the fires destroying over 800 hectares of vegetation. There have also been fires in the Catania area, where several vineyards have gone up in flames.

People remain vigilant, and there is no shortage of advice on the precautions to take: first and foremost, avoid throwing cigarette ends onto the street or parking cars in areas with dry grass. In an emergency, always call the emergency number 112.