Italy Issues Red Heatwave Alert as Europe Experiences Record Temperatures

Italy has issued a red heatwave alert for Rome as extreme temperatures affect much of Europe. This alert follows record-breaking heat in Britain and France, where authorities have reported several heat-related fatalities, primarily due to drowning incidents. Although Italy has not yet reached the highest temperatures, officials have advised residents in Rome and four northern cities to avoid sun exposure. The alert, the first of the year, also covers Florence, Bologna, Brescia, and Turin, warning of potential health risks even for healthy individuals. In Britain, temperatures have begun to decrease, while France remains under an orange alert with expected highs of 34°C in Paris. The French Open tennis tournament has seen players affected by the heat, prompting venue staff to regularly water the courts. Spain's weather office has also issued heat alerts for parts of the country, forecasting temperatures up to 37°C. The office noted that these temperatures are unusually high for this time of year, although a drop is expected next week.