Italy Blazes Under Intense Heat and Thunderstorms as African Anticyclone Sets In
It’s a curtain-raiser of sorts as Italy basks in summer temperatures well ahead of the season. With the African anticyclone bringing subtropical air masses, the country is set for a week of intense heat and an accompanying risk of severe thunderstorms.
Breaking News Alert: According to Mattia Gussoni, meteorologist from ilmeteo.it, the heatwave will peak during the weekend, with temperatures soaring up to 30-31 °C in cities like Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Rome.
Why the Extreme Temperatures?
The culprit behind this sudden heatwave is the expansion of the African anticyclone, which is transporting air from areas between Morocco and Algeria towards the Mediterranean basin and Italy. This is the first significant African heatwave of the season.
Experts warn that these conditions are exacerbating the potential for severe weather. As Mattia Gussoni explains, the evaporation from the seas acts as a fuel for thunderstorms, which can then trigger hailstorms and strong winds.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
On Sunday 1 June, Italy can expect a mix of intense heat and the entry of unstable currents, which could cause thunderstorms in the Alps and adjacent plains. This will likely continue on Monday 2 June, coinciding with the Republic Day, and beyond.
In the southern regions, conditions will remain predominantly sunny and hot. However, the overall trend points to the persistence of the African anticyclone, maintaining temperatures far above the seasonal average.
Climate Change and Its Impact
As the climate continues to shift, such extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent. Experts caution that the anticipation of 34-35 °C in June, when historical averages hover around 25 °C, is a clear sign of climate extremization. This includes not just heating but also intense, potentially devastating storms.
The implications of global warming on weather patterns require careful attention. Staying informed about local forecasts and being prepared for both heatwaves and severe storms is now a necessity.
