Italy is expanding its highest heat alert across nearly all major cities as the fourth heatwave of the year intensifies. The alert, known as red alert, signals extreme heat that can pose health risks, especially to vulnerable people.
A BBC report says 19 cities, including Rome, Milan and Naples, are already under red alert, and by Monday all but two of the country's 27 main urban centres will be affected. The ANSA news agency, however, reports that 23 of the 27 cities will be on red alert by Sunday.
The exact timing and number of cities under the alert differ between the two reports, but both agree that the overwhelming majority of major cities will be under the highest warning. Temperatures are expected to keep rising as the heatwave continues.