Italy’s Heatwave: Climatologist Luca Mercalli Warns of Prolonged African Anticyclone
Italy is in the grip of an intense heatwave, and according to renowned climatologist Luca Mercalli, the end is not in sight. The current wave, the fourth of the summer, could persist until at least August 10, with the full impact only assessable once it concludes. Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorological Society and author of “Breve storia del clima in Italia,” emphasizes that this is not an isolated anomaly but part of a worrying trend that has been evident since the record-breaking summer of 2003.
This week, the African anticyclone will dominate much of the country, bringing peaks of 38-39°C, with spikes up to 40°C in inland areas. However, Sicily, Calabria, and the Apennine regions face an additional risk: afternoon thunderstorms fueled by the accumulated heat. These storms, as Mercalli warns, are not confined to mountainous areas but can spill over into plains and valleys, making them particularly vulnerable in Central-Southern Italy. Only over the weekend is a partial easing expected, mainly in the North, but the medium-term forecast offers no relief.
Mercalli points out that June and July have already been the hottest months ever recorded in historical series. He stresses that climatologists have been highlighting this trend since 2003, yet society continues to react with surprise. “Every time we are astonished, when instead we should focus on the causes, namely global warming,” he says. “This issue still does not truly enter the minds of politics, the economy, and often society as well.”
As Italy swelters under this relentless heat, Mercalli’s words serve as a stark reminder that these extreme weather events are no longer anomalies but a new reality driven by climate change. The need for urgent action and adaptation has never been more critical.
Shimanta Das 
