Hours are numbered for the great heat, now it's a storm warning

The heatwave that gripped Italy, marked by record temperatures and prolonged periods of oppressive humidity, appears to be nearing its end. Intense thunderstorms are expected to intensify throughout the week, offering some relief to cities suffering under the relentless sun. As of today, only one city, Bari, has been issued the red heat warning, indicating the worst conditions have passed. The weather forecast suggests a shift toward more temperate conditions, with the first green heat warnings appearing in the statistics released by the Ministry of Health, marking areas where temperatures have returned to seasonal averages. Cities such as Naples and Trieste have already been classified as safe from extreme heat. A weather disturbance moving over central Europe will bring instability to parts of the Italian peninsula, resulting in showers and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe. Based on current forecasts, the Civil Protection agency has raised a yellow alert across 13 regions. Starting Monday, August 17, light rain showers, mostly in the form of sudden downpours and thunderstorms, are predicted to affect northern regions including Lombardy, the Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna, extending into Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, and Abruzzo. These storms will likely be accompanied by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and even hail. According to weather service ILMeteo.it, after scattered rains on Tuesday and Wednesday, the sun is expected to return, bringing a general drop in temperatures. However, this respite will be brief. From Thursday, August 20, widespread thunderstorms are anticipated, particularly in the central and northern regions, with temperatures dropping significantly enough to eliminate the oppressive heat. Experts suggest these changes will mark a definitive end to the intense summer conditions that have persisted for weeks. Following the holiday period, which saw many Italians traveling due to short vacations, there has also been a noticeable reverse migration. Traffic has remained smooth, according to Anas, as families are spreading their travel plans across weekdays rather than concentrating them on weekends. From Monday, August 17, through Thursday, August 20, over 34.7 million movements are expected, with a slight peak on the first day, reaching 8.8 million. Concerns remain regarding wildfires, which continue to plague several regions, from the Trentino to Abruzzo, Venice to Emilia-Romagna. Firefighters are working tirelessly across the country to contain the blazes. The situation is most critical in the Carnia area, where large forest fires have been burning for over a week. The fire fronts on Mount Amariana and Mount Amarianute remain active and expanding. Local authorities advise limiting outdoor exposure and using FFP2 or FFP3 masks if necessary while outside. The ongoing efforts of emergency services highlight the severity of the situation, as they work to manage both the immediate dangers posed by the weather and the long-term impacts of the wildfires.