Is the Heat Over? Italy Expects a New Hot Spell at End of August

Italy is bracing for another heatwave as the summer draws to a close, with forecasters predicting temperatures could climb to as high as 35°C in the coming days.

The shift comes after a period of rain swept across parts of the country, temporarily easing the heat that has characterised much of the season. Now, as skies clear and sunshine returns, meteorologists are warning that the reprieve may be short-lived.

The upcoming warm spell, however, is expected to affect Italy unevenly. In the north, temperatures are forecast to remain below the seasonal average, offering some relief from the summer's persistent heat.

By contrast, central and southern regions are likely to continue experiencing afa — the thick, humid heat that has become a defining feature of Italian summers in recent years and that makes even moderate temperatures feel oppressive.

This divergence has prompted a broader question now circulating among forecasters and the public alike: has the summer's heat finally run its course, or is Italy on the verge of a fifth major heatwave?

The country has already endured several intense heat episodes this summer, part of a pattern that scientists increasingly link to shifting climate conditions across southern Europe. Each new spell has tended to bring not only high daytime temperatures but also elevated humidity levels, particularly in urban centres.

Meteorological agencies say they are closely tracking atmospheric developments to determine how the situation will evolve as August ends. While some models suggest the heat could ease into September, others point to the possibility of another significant spike before autumn conditions set in.

For now, residents in central and southern Italy are advised to prepare for continued warm, muggy conditions, while those in the north may see a brief return to more seasonal temperatures. Further updates are expected in the coming days as forecasters refine their projections for the final stretch of August.