Record-breaking heatwave eases the grip, with August 15th only in Bari and Bolzano under red alert.

It will be a "normal" Ferragosto weekend compared to past heatwaves. According to the latest update from the Ministry of Health, after the record heat of this period, today, Saturday, August 15th, Italy is breathing a sigh of relief and the heat is easing. Of the 27 cities monitored, only two (Bari and Bolzano) are expected to be on a red alert, indicating the highest level of alert—level 3—with possible health risks for the general population.  

Green alert (zero risk) for August 0th in Naples, Pescara, Trieste, and Venice. The other cities (Ancona, Bologna, Brescia, Cagliari, Campobasso, Catania, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Messina, Milano, Palermo, Perugia, Reggio Calabria, Rieti, Rome, Turin, Verona and Viterbo) have a yellow stamp (level 1).  

Here's the situation for tomorrow, Sunday, August 16: Bari, the only city of the 27, will still have a red alert. Campobasso is expected to have an orange alert (level 2 alert), while Naples and Trieste will have a green alert. The other cities will have a yellow alert.  

Don't miss the latest news from La Milano: Add us to your favorite sources on Google in just one click.

"Given that cooling is good for the body, it is preferable to maintaining very high temperatures, which exposes you to greater risks," Massimo Andreoni, professor emeritus of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, a member of the Board of Arbitrators of SIMIT (Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases) and the Superior Health Council, explains to Adnkronos Salute. 

"Even a 10-degree drop in temperature can be beneficial for the body. However," he warns, "the elderly and frail, in particular, must be wary of sudden temperature changes, as they are more exposed to the risk of colds and respiratory infections, both upper and lower. Furthermore, respiratory viruses other than influenza, which is more common in the fall and winter months, continue to circulate even during this period." 

The expert offers some simple rules for dealing with temperature changes. "After about 40 tropical nights, it's understandable to want some refreshment, but you shouldn't expose yourself to excessive or sudden temperature changes. Particular care is needed because, in older adults, body temperature regulation is more complex and difficult," he emphasizes. A helpful rule is therefore "to avoid uncovering too much and choose clothing appropriate for the new weather conditions." After mid-August, thunderstorms are also forecast: "In these situations, it's easier to catch a cold, so it's important to pay attention to how you dress and protect yourself from sudden temperature changes," concludes Andreoni. 

(Adnkronos)