Temperatures in Italy are predicted to reach between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius during an extreme heat wave that is predicted to linger at least until Wednesday, September 9.
A strong North African high-pressure system that is settling over the Mediterranean will maintain the heat until the middle of next week, according to forecaster Lorenzo Tedici. The average temperature for this time of year will rise by about eight degrees.
Tedici pointed out that starting on Wednesday, cooler Atlantic air will begin to move in, indicating a change in weather patterns.
With the help of cold air coming down from the North Atlantic, mathematical models indicate that the high-pressure system will completely collapse by September 9.
Throughout this week, Thursday will bring bright, mild weather to northern and central Italy, while the south will continue to be generally sunny with the possibility of sporadic showers in the Calabrian mountains.
Friday promises bright, mild weather over the country, with scattered showers continuing in the Alps and heat rising in the north.
Saturday is expected to be quite hot in the north and to be largely sunny and warm in the center and southern regions.
According to the longer-term forecast, the African high-pressure system will persist, driving temperatures from north to south toward a peak of about 37 degrees Celsius.