The heat is coming, with peaks above 40 degrees. The African anticyclone Minos opens the doors of summer. From today begins a “hellish” week. The heat wave will affect all of Italy and will last a long time in central and southern Italy.
Difficult days are therefore expected. According to the forecasts of the specialized website 3Bmeteo.com, the peak of this blaze will occur around mid-week, between Wednesday and Friday when temperatures may exceed 40 degrees in various regions of the Center and South. Less high temperatures in the North although with local peaks above 35° but with high sultriness given the soil soaked in previous rain. In the Center and South, however, the humidity will be lower and the heat in Sicily will be scorching.
The arrival of Minos
Therefore, the anticyclone Minos will begin to rise across the country but the first peak of the heat will be reached between Wednesday and Thursday (beginning of summer) with exceptional extreme values. We are talking about 10-15 degrees above the averages for the period. And the freezing point will rise to around 4800 metres, touching the top of Mont Blanc.
A very hot week in Sicily
In Sicily we will have to wait until the beginning of next week for temperatures to return to seasonal averages, the anticyclone Minos should remain well placed over Sicily at least until Sunday 23 June. Then it will loosen its grip slightly with temperatures expected to stabilize around 36°.
In the south, scorching heat
But while Northern Italy should be able to breathe again next weekend, in the South the scorching heat will continue even if slightly less intense.
The advices
What is scary now are the days of the week that opens tomorrow, with the mercury rising which will also put the emergency services to the test. And in these cases the advice of the experts always applies: in addition to avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun in the presence of external temperatures in the shade greater than 35° C, it is a good idea to guarantee adequate temperatures in the car with air conditioning or by adequately ventilating the passenger compartment and to drink water and mineral salts, in quantities of at least 3 liters per day. And again: wear light, light-coloured clothing, avoid swimming or exercising in water after eating and doing physical activity during the hottest hours.
Experts also advise not to consume alcohol when temperatures exceed 35° C or in case of prolonged exposure to the sun. If you do not have an air conditioner at home, however, keep the windows open and the shutters lowered, and under no circumstances close yourself in the house in conditions of poor environmental ventilation. It is also important to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoid large meals and fatty foods, pay attention to the correct storage of food, especially frozen or refrigerated ones.
