Extreme heat splits Italy in two: over 44°C in the South, heavy showers in the North

By Euronews

Published on

28/08/2026 - 15:45 GMT+2

The fifth heatwave reached its peak on Friday, splitting Italy in two, with temperatures in the centre and south and on the islands above 40°C, a full ten degrees higher than average, and severe thunderstorms expected to hit the north in the coming hours.

High humidity is making matters worse, pushing the perceived temperature at least five degrees above the actual reading, and bringing sweltering nights, known as "tropical" nights, with temperatures in many cases barely dropping below 30°C.