Italy Records Hottest Summer Since 1950

Italy recorded its hottest summer since 1950 this year, with an average temperature of 24.3C, according to the National Research Council's Institute for Bioeconomy. August was the hottest month of the year, averaging 25.6C, which is 5.2C above the 1951–1980 average and 3.5C above the 1991–2020 average. The figures are based on readings taken 2 m above ground level. Researcher Lorenzo Arcidiaco said the August average surpassed the previous records of 24.6C in 2024 and 24C in 2017. He added that the data pointed to 2026 ending as Italy's hottest year since records began in 1950, with July and August both ranking as the warmest on record. Large parts of Europe endured sweltering summers, with drought and wildfires posing a growing problem, while the United Kingdom recorded its hottest summer since records began. In Italy, the worst-affected areas were concentrated in the north-western lowlands and along the Apennines, where high temperatures and drought put pressure on farming. (Reuters, max)