La météo déchire l'Italie, une alerte nuageuse au Nord

Italy is experiencing a dramatic split in weather conditions, with severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall affecting northern regions while extreme heat dominates the rest of the country. The Italian Meteorological Service has issued red alerts for heatwaves, warning of dangerous temperatures across much of the nation. These conditions are expected to persist through Friday before gradually easing over the weekend. The contrast in weather patterns is striking. In the north, particularly in Veneto, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Emilia-Romagna, powerful storms have already begun to wreak havoc. Intense rainfalls, violent wind gusts, and hail have been recorded, prompting emergency services into action. In Alto Adige alone, more than 50 interventions by firefighters were required overnight. Similar phenomena have been observed in Turin's valleys, including Val di Susa and Val Chisone, where residents face the threat of flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, southern Italy and the center are grappling with record-breaking temperatures. According to health ministry warnings, today seven cities are under the highest risk level for heat-related illnesses, but this number will rise to 15 tomorrow and reach 16 by Saturday. Meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici from iLMeteo.it predicts that the heatwave will continue until the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius in parts of Sardinia, 42 degrees in Nuoro, and 41 degrees in Caltanissetta, Foggia, and Oristano. In Florence, Terni, and Matera, temperatures could hit 40 degrees, while Rome and Milan might see highs of 37 and 36 degrees respectively. Even at high altitudes, such as Castelluccio di Norcia, which sits above 1,400 meters, temperatures have surpassed 30 degrees. This prolonged heat spell, lasting five to six days, is expected to peak around Sunday with temperatures hovering near 34 degrees. Although Trieste, Venice, Verona, and Bolzano are not currently under red alert, they are experiencing their third hottest summer since records began in 1850. As a result, the Ministry of Health has scheduled a new crisis management meeting to address the ongoing situation. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci has urged citizens to take precautions against the heat, advising them to avoid going outside during midday hours. Measures to protect workers from excessive sun exposure have also been implemented. In the Lazio region, work outdoors is prohibited from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. In Milan, city officials have banned deliveries during the hottest part of the day, leading to protests by delivery riders who demand better working conditions and social protections. Demonstrations have taken place in Florence, where cyclists protested against low wages and unsafe working conditions for delivery personnel amid extreme heat. Despite these challenges, the weather forecast indicates that the stormy conditions in the north will eventually subside. Tedici explains that accumulated heat and humidity in the Po Valley will clash with cooler air coming from the Central Eastern Alps, creating conditions for heavy rains and hail primarily in the Veneto region. However, the alert extends throughout the entire Po Valley and Milan, where the regional government has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms and strong winds, potentially reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. City authorities in Milan have advised residents to stay away from parks and wooded areas, avoid being near construction scaffolding, outdoor seating, and tents, and secure items on balconies. The Civil Protection Agency in Emilia-Romagna has also issued an orange alert for the entire region, excluding the Apennine Mountains, due to the potential for particularly intense thunderstorms. Looking ahead, the weather forecast for Thursday shows continued hot and sunny conditions in the north, with thunderstorms expected until early morning before improving significantly. Central Italy will remain sunny and extremely hot, while southern regions, including Sardinia and Sicily, will experience exceptional heat with temperatures peaking at 42-43 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the north will again see warm and sunny weather, though thunderstorms may occur in the Alpine areas. Central Italy will remain sunny and very hot, while southern regions could witness even higher temperatures, reaching up to 44-45 degrees Celsius in parts of Sardinia.