Italy's Heat Wave: 17 Cities on 'Red Alert'

Italy's Ministry of Health, which indicates the risk level of air temperatures in four color categories, has classified 15 cities as 'red', the highest risk level, today, and will add Latina to the list tomorrow, bringing the total to 16. Tomorrow, the capital city of Rome, Ancona, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Milan, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Turin, Venice, Verona, and Viterbo will be under 'red' alert, warning residents of the heat. The Ministry also announced that Bari will be added to the list on June 25, bringing the total to 17. In Turin, northern Italy, frequent power outages have been reported due to the excessive use of air conditioning, causing short-term disruptions in daily life. The city's Civico Palace, which houses the Turin Municipality, has also experienced power outages. The highest temperatures in the country are expected to reach 36 degrees, with some interior areas potentially reaching 37 degrees. Tourists visiting Florence, which has been under 'red' alert since yesterday, have been struggling with the heat. Visitors to the city's historic Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), Michelangelo Square, and Signoria Square have been seen carrying umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun and heat, as well as using fans and small handheld ventilators to cool down.