Deadly heatwave grips Italy and the Balkans as wildfire fears grow

A record-breaking heatwave is continuing to affect Italy and the Balkans, with authorities issuing red heat warnings, firefighters tackling wildfires and forecasters warning that the extreme temperatures are likely to persist for several more days. The hot spell has also been linked to excess deaths across Europe and is disrupting daily life in several countries. In Italy, 22 cities were placed under red heat warnings on Monday, stretching from Bolzano in the north to Palermo in Sicily.

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The immediate impact has been felt across a wide area, with Croatia's weather service issuing red alerts for several regions, including Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. On the Adriatic island of Vis, dozens of firefighters supported by four aircraft were battling a wildfire burning through pine forests about 55 kilometres southwest of Split. In neighbouring Albania, firefighters contained a blaze that tore through bushes and olive trees near the southern village of Klos.

The heatwave has also affected public life in Rome, where pilgrims at the Vatican used fans and umbrellas as Pope Leo delivered his Angelus message on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Officials and forecasters say the risk of further fires remains high because of the combination of extreme heat and dry conditions, even as local rainstorms offer only limited relief in some places. Italian Meteorological Society president Luca Mercalli said the storms were localised and that rainfall would vary from place to place.

Italian Air Force meteorologist Daniele Mocio said temperatures were expected to remain eight to 10 degrees Celsius above average for several more days. Much of the Balkans is still forecast to see temperatures above 35C in parts of Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Hungary. The wider significance of the heatwave goes beyond immediate fire risk.

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The World Health Organization says 1,300 excess deaths have been reported across Europe since June 21, underlining the public-health impact of prolonged extreme heat. France has reported 1,000 excess deaths linked to the same weather pattern, and its public health agency has said most victims were older people. The situation is also straining healthcare systems, damaging infrastructure and disrupting power generation, according to the information provided.

The current episode began on June 20 and has already become one of the most severe heat events of the summer in Europe. Older people remain the most at risk, particularly in urban areas where heat can build quickly and where access to cooling may be limited. The warnings in Italy and Croatia show how the same weather system is affecting both densely populated cities and tourist regions, while also increasing the burden on emergency services.

Forecasters say the heat is not yet over, with current temperatures expected to persist for several more days and another surge of hot weather possible from July 5 or 6. That next wave could affect France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and parts of Britain, according to the information supplied. What remains unclear is how many additional deaths, fire outbreaks or disruptions may follow if the heat continues.

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