The stifling heat that has gripped Italy all summer shows no sign of easing, with temperatures above 44C in the south and islands, and forecasters warning the sultry weather will persist into September.

The country will be divided in two, forecasters say, with a brief but intense spell of heat set to affect central and southern Italy while the north faces thunderstorms.

L'ondata di caldo si concentrerà al Centro-Sud. Venerdì il picco con nove città bollino rosso. In Sicilia orientale e in parti della Calabria previsti 45 gradi. Attese anche notti…