Italy warns of Nero heatwave as temperature set to reach 40 degrees

ROME, Aug 23: Red heat alerts are in place across Italy. Red heat alerts are in place for 16 cities across Italy with temperatures set to reach 40°C.

A red alert means that even the young, fit and healthy are advised to stay indoors between 10 am and 6 pm.

The temperatures are due to anticyclone Nero which will bring temperatures of up to 38°C, according to the weather forecasting website iLMeteo.it.

The anticyclone is named after the emperor accused of starting the Great Fire of 64 AD in Rome.

The worst of the hot weather is in the north and centre of Italy, while temperatures in the south are more in line with averages for this time of year.

Rome and Milan, two of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, have red alerts in place, with temperatures forecast to reach 37°C.

Tourists visiting Naples, Genova and Florence are also warned to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

The other Italian cities with red heat alerts in place are Turin, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Frosinone, Latina, Palermo, Perugia, Rieti, and Verona.