Italy's stifling summer heatwave continues with temperatures above 44C in the south and islands; the fifth heatwave will peak on Friday and forecasters say the muggy weather may last 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…