Italy issues red heatwave warning

Tourists and locals in Rome sweltered in the high temperatures as hot weather continued across the country. The Italian Ministry of Health also issued a warning regarding high temperatures expected over the weekend. In Rome, residents and tourists cooled off at the many water fountains dotted across the city.

Sixteen cities, including popular tourist destinations such as Rome, Florence and Palermo were put on the 'red alert' list, as temperatures pushed past 40 degrees Celsius. The 'red alert' heat warning indicates extreme conditions that could be harmful to the general population's health. Several other cities in northern and central Italy have received an 'amber alert' warning regarding weather over the weekend.