Deadly Heatwave "Cerberus" Triggers Red Alert in Italy

Italy is currently experiencing a deadly heatwave that could break European records, with temperatures expected to surpass 48 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country.

Dubbed "Cerberus" by the Italian Meteorological Society, in reference to the three-headed guardian of the gates of Hell depicted in Dante's "Inferno," this heatwave has gripped the nation. "There is a strong fever on Earth, and Italy is feeling it," said Luca Mercalli, head of the Italian Meteorological Society, in an interview with CNN.

The Italian Ministry of Health issued a red warning for dangerous heat in 12 out of the country's 27 major cities, including Rome, Florence, Naples, and Palermo, due to the heatwave that has pushed temperatures significantly above seasonal averages, reaching 40°C.

On Wednesday, the number of cities marked with a red alert will increase to 19.

Meanwhile, the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d'Aosta, and Veneto are preparing for a series of storms coming from the north.

This latest heatwave, following a string of previous ones, has exacerbated the country's drought crisis, caused by months of lack of rainfall and a dry winter. Italy's Civil Protection Agency is considering implementing daily water supply restrictions due to the drought, which is posing significant challenges to agriculture.

Earlier this week, the head of the Civil Protection Agency, Fabrizio Curcio, reported that water levels in the Po River, Italy's longest river, are 80% lower than usual.

Scientists attribute these more frequent and intense droughts and heatwaves to climate change caused by human activity.

Vulnerable individuals without access to air conditioning are at the highest risk. Less than 10% of homes in Europe have air conditioning, compared to approximately 90% in the United States.

Increased humidity is also expected to contribute to the overall discomfort across Italy. The government has urged people to stay at home, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol.

Companies are advised to avoid sending workers outdoors between noon and 5 pm over the next two weeks, and some summer camps for children have suspended activities.

It's worth noting that Southern Europe is bracing for an extreme heatwave this week, with meteorologists predicting the region may set a new temperature record.