More than 20 thousand deaths. Experts warn: Armageddon between July and August

Meteorologist Tommaso Torrigiani, quoted by the daily "Il Messaggero", said he saw analogies with that dramatic summer, when a wave of deaths was recorded, especially among the elderly.

As he pointed out, this year the greatest heatwaves should be expected between July and August. According to forecasts, this is when weeks of heat without rainfall and tropical nights with temperatures well above 20 degrees can be expected.

Experts say this is the most tangible evidence of climate change, which has weakened the protective role of the Azores anticyclone. It was this anticyclone that ensured milder and more stable summers in Italy in the 1980s. Now the scenario has changed, and the persistent intense heat poses a growing threat to public health.

Experts are appealing to everyone to be careful. Italian media note that these appeals should also reach foreign tourists who spend hours in the sun in cities and on beaches.

The most important thing, it is remembered, is proper hydration of the body and a light diet.

Among the many pieces of advice is to avoid playing sports outside during the hottest part of the day . People who do not have air conditioning at home are advised to spend time in shopping malls or with friends and relatives who do.

- Sharing air conditioning with others may be a survival strategy, said 96-year-old professor Silvio Garattini, a physician and pharmacologist.

On Friday and Saturday, the highest level of heat alert will be in effect in several Italian cities, including Rome, Florence, Turin, Venice and Verona.

In some areas, temperatures are forecast to reach around 40 degrees Celsius.

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