Nation divided: Storms in the north, extreme heat in the south
Italy is currently experiencing a stark meteorological divide, with storms and rainfall affecting the northern regions, while extreme heat grips the central and southern areas.
Weather Extremes
According to reports from the Italian press, the country is split in two weather-wise. Northern regions are dealing with heavy rain and storms, while central and southern regions are experiencing high temperatures.
In Milan, the capital of the northern Lombardy region, strong winds and large hailstones, the size of walnuts, have caused significant damage to vehicles.
Flooding and Landslides
In the area around Lake Como, near the Italy-Switzerland border, recent heavy rainfall has raised water levels, leading to flooding in certain areas.
In Varese and its surroundings, the storms have uprooted numerous trees. Heavy rainfall in higher elevations has also caused landslides, leading to road closures in some areas.
Red Alert Issued
On the other hand, the central and southern parts of the country continue to be affected by extreme heat originating from Africa.
The Ministry of Health is continuously updating risk levels for certain cities due to the extreme heat. Over the weekend, the ministry placed 11 cities in the central and southern regions under a "red" category, warning the public of the dangers.
A "red" alert was issued for Ancona, Bologna, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, and Viterbo on July 13 and 14.
Due to the high temperatures, long lines have formed at fountains in the capital, Rome, as people seek to cool off and access water.
