[Heat. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

Italian health authorities issued several red alert warnings throughout May 2025 as the intense heat waves broke records for extreme temperatures. 

The extreme temperatures have caused a surge in heat-related illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

With one of Europe’s highest elderly dependency ratios, Italy faces unique challenges as a large portion of its population is over 65 years old.

Dr. Giuseppe Famularo from Rome’s San Camillo-Forlanini hospital explained, “the most common health problems around this time of the year include the worsening of chronic diseases such as heart-related issues, like arrhythmia, infections, and kidney function is also affected as well as behavioural issues.” 

The hospital treats approximately 4,000 heat-related cases annually, according to hospital records.

Trade unions have launched campaigns to pressure the government into implementing stronger workplace protections for heat-exposed workers.

Alessandro Genovesi, secretary general of the Italian federation of workers in wood, construction and extractive industries, stated, “Health and safety issues and injuries in the workplace have to be put in the current context, which is characterised by climate change.”

The crisis reflects an alarming trend across Italy, which reported over 18,000 heat-related deaths in 2022 alone.

Scientific research demonstrates that heat stress is a major cause of weather-related mortality and can worsen existing conditions, potentially increasing disease transmission rates. 

As climate change accelerates, growing numbers of Italians face exposure to extreme heat conditions.

Workers in heat-vulnerable occupations, including farmers and outdoor laborers, experience the most immediate and severe impacts.

Historically, Europe has recorded the highest number of heat-related fatalities globally, with Italy consistently ranking among the most affected nations.

The majority of heat-related health impacts in Italy correlate with physiological factors such as age and health status, as well as exposure factors including occupation type.

Last year, Italian hospitals reported numerous cases of dehydration-related hospitalizations, heat-related deaths, and even organ transplant surgeries necessitated by severe heat strokes.

Meteorologists attribute the current extreme temperatures to a high-pressure system creating a heat dome across the region.

This weather pattern causes descending air to compress and warm, effectively trapping heat near the Earth’s surface and creating oppressive conditions that degrade air quality throughout affected areas.

The May 2025 heatwaves work as reminders that the climate crisis is an immediate threat rather than a distant concern.

Without taking further steps to alleviate these impacts, these extreme weather events are expected to increase in both frequency and intensity.

Public health officials, researchers, and government agencies continue coordinating response efforts to address what experts warn could become a recurring crisis affecting millions across Europe.