Rome, Italy is facing its fifth major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring to 39 degrees Celsius. The Ministry of Health has issued the highest level of alert.
On 29 August 2026, Rome, the capital of Italy, once again experienced intense heat as a new heatwave spread across the city in late August. This caused many tourists to seek shade and ways to cool down, while authorities issued the highest level of heat alert.
The area in front of the Colosseum remained crowded with tourists lined up at public water service points. Many carried umbrellas and portable fans, trying to find shaded spots to avoid the sun and heat.
Italy's Ministry of Health declared Rome at a “red alert” level last Friday, the highest warning level, indicating that this intense heatwave could affect the health of all population groups, not just the elderly or those with health issues. According to Italy's Air Force meteorological agency, Rome’s temperature reached 39 degrees Celsius.
This late August heatwave is the fifth major heatwave to hit Rome this summer. Meanwhile, several southern Italian regions have also experienced hot winds from the south in recent days, pushing temperatures on the island of Sardinia, and in the regions of Apulia and Calabria, up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Source: AFP