Intense heat, with no respite until mid-August. A few passing thunderstorms in the north between 9 and 10 August
The formidable African high-pressure system this summer of 2026 appears to be retreating southwards, only to remain firmly entrenched over Italia.
By now, for anyone who reads the weather forecast, there’s just one question on everyone’s mind – it’s almost become an obsession: when will this heatwave end? Lorenzo Tedici, head of media meteorology at iLMeteo.it, confirms that the answer is not straightforward and depends on the battle between the two major ‘players’ of this summer.
On the one hand, we have the formidable African high-pressure system, which this summer of 2026 appears to be retreating southwards, only to remain firmly anchored over Italia. On the other hand, there are the Atlantic waves – currents laden with cooler, more unstable air which, travelling north of the Alps, attempt to break through this wall of heat.
The combination of these two variables will determine the outlook for the coming days, which could split Italia in two.
THE VERDICT: NORTH VS CENTRE-SOUTH – In the Centre-South (where the heat shows no sign of letting up): unfortunately, there is no good news. The heat will remain intense, persistent, oppressive and unbearable at least until 15 August. A gradual easing of the heatwave is only expected from 17–18 August onwards.
In the North (the illusion of a break): between Sunday 9 and Monday 10 August, an Atlantic weather system could manage to partially cross the Alps, bringing cooler air and thunderstorms to the North. But beware: this would be nothing more than a brief ‘break’ lasting 48 hours at most – a temporary respite before the African heat makes a forceful return.
