A significant expansion of subtropical high pressure is set to occur starting this weekend, extending through the first part of the week of Ferragosto. This will bring stable atmospheric conditions with abundant sunshine and minimal storm activity, apart from isolated heat-induced thunderstorms in mountainous regions.
The heat will intensify noticeably across Italy, with high temperatures expected even in areas north of the Po River that had previously been spared the most intense heat (unlike Central and Southern Italy). By the upcoming weekend, temperatures could reach 37-39°C in central and southern inland areas and 34-36°C in the north. The peak of this heatwave is anticipated between Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures potentially soaring to 38-40°C in the central and southern inland areas, and possibly even higher in parts of the South, Sicily, and Sardinia. Northern regions will also experience significant heat, with maximum temperatures nearing 37-38°C in the plains near the Po River. Coastal areas will see slightly lower temperatures due to cooling sea breezes. Humidity is expected to be most felt in the Po Valley, including Milan, where physical discomfort will be particularly pronounced, along with the coastal regions.