Bologna, August 5, 2026 — The heat wave over Emilia-Romagna is intensifying. For Thursday, August 6, the orange alert for extreme temperatures remains in effect, extended not only to the plains but also to the Bologna hills and the lower Romagna hills.
In the bulletin issued by Arpae and Civil Protection, “the persistence of high maximum temperatures is forecast, around 38-39 degrees with local peaks of 40 degrees, in the plains and hilly areas, with widespread conditions of bioclimatic discomfort.” On the Apennine ridge, moreover, “scattered and short-lived thunderstorms are not excluded, with possible occasional associated effects.”
The chart on “equatorial nights”
Summer 2026 continues to put the region to the test, where the heat offers no respite even during nighttime hours. While during the day the thermometer continues to approach 40 degrees, it is especially the persistence of high temperatures that worries, with bioclimatic discomfort that extends without interruption. The situation is also depicted by the meteorologist of Ampro, Pierluigi Randi, who on social media draws attention to the so-called “equatorial nights”, those in which the minimum temperature does not fall below 25 degrees. The phenomenon affects much of Italy, but the Po Valley is among the most affected areas. The absence of nighttime cooling prevents the body from recovering after the hottest hours, increasing the effects of heat stress especially for the elderly, children, and vulnerable people.
Light precipitation during the week, then heat again
Medium-term prospects also leave no room for a real change of scenario. Meteorologist Luca Lombroso urges caution when talking about a turning point: “The turning point is scaled down and more of a pause than a change of air — he notes — And at mid-August the heat could return as the main feature.” According to Lombroso, “Italy remains under the influence of tropical air, with 38-40 degrees in many areas for most of next week. Heat thunderstorms will only offer local and temporary relief.”
His analyses show practically identical values among Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Bologna, with eight consecutive days characterized by maximum temperatures between 38 and 40 degrees and tropical minimums between 24 and 26.
As announced by Arpae and confirmed by the meteorologist, “around August 9-10 a weather front passage is possible with a temperature drop, but the latest updates indicate that it might be more of a pause than a real turning point — he concludes — In fact, the prevailing trend sees a new strengthening of high pressure towards mid-August, with the return of very hot conditions.”
Arpae forecasts for Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7
Meanwhile, the weather for the coming days confirms still very stable conditions. Thursday, August 6 will be clear across the region, with the development of cumuliform clouds in the afternoon hours along the Apennines, where isolated showers or thunderstorms are not excluded. Minimum temperatures will remain between 22 degrees in suburban areas and 25 in urban centers, while maximums will reach 33-36 degrees along the coast and 38-39 degrees in the internal plains, with local peaks of 40 degrees. Winds will be weak and variable, with breezes along the coast, and the sea calm or slightly choppy.
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Friday, August 7 the situation will change only partially. The sky will remain clear or slightly cloudy, but in the afternoon clouds will develop again over the hills, associated with showers and thunderstorms that may locally also affect nearby plains. Temperatures will undergo a slight decrease: maximums will range between 31 and 33 degrees along the coast and between 35 and 36 in the internal plains, values still well above the period averages. Winds will be weak in the morning, strengthening from the northeast in the afternoon, while the sea will remain slightly choppy.
The break after mid-August: the latest weather forecasts
“Most likely the heatwave will continue until August 18-20, albeit with some modulation – updates Edoardo Ferrara of 3BMeteo –. Hopes for a more appreciable and significant change lie in the third decade of August, when cooler air descending from the North could bring an air change but at the price of even strong thunderstorms. This is clearly a trend line far from definitive and will require much analysis and confirmation.”
ISS advice for coping with the heat
In view of mid-August, the Higher Institute of Health urges particular attention to hydration and nutrition. The main advice is to drink regularly throughout the day, without waiting for the stimulus of thirst, favoring water over sugary drinks or alcohol.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables, rich in water and minerals, help counteract dehydration, while for outdoor meals it is important to choose light dishes, properly store food in thermal bags, and avoid leaving them exposed to the sun for too long.
Even during celebrations, the ISS reminds, taste and health can coexist by following the principles of the Mediterranean diet.
