Italy is currently sweltering under a heatwave. What travellers need to know right now.
Rome, Naples, Catania, Palermo and Cagliari: The Italian Ministry of Health’s red alert is currently in force for several major Italian cities. This is already Italy’s third heatwave of the year.
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Burning forests, dry rivers
The current temperatures are also causing forest fires, particularly on Sicily and Sardinia and particularly in Piedmont, where an estimated 700,000 trees were destroyed within a few days.
The Po, Italy’s longest river, is also suffering from the heat: in the north, the water level is currently very low, and in some places the water temperature is 32 degrees. Water shortages are also becoming more widespread in many regions.
What travellers should bear in mind at the moment
Anyone staying in Italy should adapt their behaviour to the extreme weather and plan their activities accordingly. Too much sun can lead to sunstroke and circulatory failure.
The ADAC warns that motorists should prepare for the ongoing heatwave and plan to take plenty of breaks, as constant exposure to the sun can quickly cause fatigue, even with air conditioning. You should also make sure to pack plenty of cold drinks. Anyone who has to park their car in extreme heat should park it in the shade or fit a sun protection film to the outside of the windscreen.
It is essential to avoid driving with tyre pressure that is too low in these temperatures, as this can cause the tyres to deform excessively whilst driving. The heat generated as a result, combined with the high road surface temperatures, can cause the tyres to burst.
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Heat alone is not a valid reason for cancellation
Anyone who has booked a package holiday cannot cancel because of the heatwave. Cancellation is only possible if the tour operator notifies you of significant changes to the services provided before the start of the trip. If, for example, the air conditioning breaks down, it depends on how quickly it can be repaired. In the event of rationing of shower water, it also depends on the extent of the restrictions: if showering is not permitted at all for several days, cancellation may be possible.
