Giuliacci’s Weather Forecast: Italy’s Heatwave Persists, But Autumn Brings Hope

• by Shimanta Das
• August 12, 2026

As Italy swelters under an unprecedented heatwave in the summer of 2026, meteorologist Mario Giuliacci offers a detailed analysis of what lies ahead. While the African anticyclone continues to dominate, bringing scorching temperatures to the south, Giuliacci dismisses fears of an endless summer, stating it’s ‘exaggerated’ to expect summer heat to stretch into November. However, recent events, such as the ‘sand devil’ in Puglia, have raised concerns, with Giuliacci admitting ‘there is reason to worry.’

For the coming days, from Saturday, September 6, to Thursday, September 11, the south will experience peak summer heat, with highs up to 35°C in Apulia, Lucania, Ionian Calabria, and the interior of the major islands. In contrast, the north and center will see temperatures rise but remain below 30°C. Giuliacci notes that in the next 7-8 days, until mid-August, the heatwave won’t end, but significant drops are expected in some regions. Values will fall below 35°C in Northern Italy, the Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, Gargano, and the major islands due to cooler winds from a disturbance affecting the North and Adriatic regions between August 7 and 8. Meanwhile, the Tyrrhenian side will continue to suffer, with the heatwave persisting without significant attenuation until at least mid-August.

The atmospheric conditions remain largely unchanged, with prevailing good weather interrupted only by heat-driven thunderstorms in mountainous areas, particularly along the Alpine arc and the Apennine ridge. These storms, while providing some relief, also pose a risk of sudden downpours and localised flooding. Giuliacci advises residents and visitors in these regions to stay alert and prepared for rapid weather changes.

Looking further ahead, Giuliacci pins hopes for a more significant change on the third decade of August. Cooler air descending from the north could bring a refreshing break from the heat, but at the cost of potentially strong thunderstorms. This shift, while welcome, may bring its own challenges, including the risk of severe weather events. As Italy navigates this extreme