Italy's third heat wave of the summer is weakening after earlier peaks threatened record highs, as cooler air from Norway moves in bringing thunderstorms and falling temperatures.
The number of cities on maximum red alert fell to seven — Cagliari, Catania, Messina, Naples, Palermo, Reggio Calabria and Rome — according to the Italian Civil Protection. In Lazio, red-alert conditions narrowed to Rome alone from Tuesday, while Calabria continued to endure daytime highs near or above 40°C and nights above 30°C, worsening wildfire conditions in Pollino National Park. Sicily reached morning highs of 43.8°C with 46°C possible Wednesday before a sharp drop and severe storms forecast Sunday featuring possible tornadoes and extreme rainfall.
A fourth African heat wave is expected from July 30-31, the Ministry of Health indicated, monitoring 27 major cities.