The Heat Curtailed Tourism in Italy

A trip on a tour can be dangerous for your health," the Italian Ministry of Health issued a warning to tourists almost verbatim. The heatwave that has covered the entire country means the end of classic sightseeing tourism - tourists and locals are advised not to leave their homes for most of the day, let alone go on excursions.

This is reported by SchengenVisaInfo.

Over the weekend, Italian authorities issued an "extreme" health risk warning in 16 cities, including Rome and Florence, due to the severe heatwave and the potential risks it poses to public health. 

"It is important for both tourists and locals to prioritise their well-being and take the necessary precautions during the heatwave," it said.

In addition, a climatologist from the European Space Agency (ESA) said that the temperature could reach 48 degrees Celsius on the popular tourist islands of Sicily and Sardinia. ESA noted that these temperatures would potentially be the hottest ever recorded in Europe.

At the same time, the temperature in Rome is expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius.

Now, in addition to the 16 cities mentioned earlier, the Italian authorities have issued the second highest heat warning for nine more cities. The country's Ministry of Health is urging the public to take precautionary measures, such as maintaining water balance, eating lighter meals, and avoiding direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00. According to officials, these measures can help minimise the risks associated with the heatwave.

A separate point in the warning is that although sightseeing can be attractive, it is better to stay indoors with air conditioning or at least in the shade for personal safety in such extreme weather conditions. 

In Italy, tour operators and ordinary Italians are shocked that all this is happening at a time when the continent is experiencing a significant influx of tourists, and for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, travel has resumed on such a scale.

As The Gaze reported, Southern Europe is bracing for intensifying and dangerously high temperatures as the current heatwave exacerbates the climate crisis. Hot air from Africa remains in place and high pressure conditions persist, leading to a steady build-up of heat in the seas, land and air.

Italy, Spain and Greece have been enduring the heat for several days now, but the European Space Agency warns that the heat wave is just beginning.

The Italian Ministry of Health has introduced a new protocol called "Protect yourself from the heat" for emergency departments.