Umbrellas, UV clothing and misting fans - Tourists battle heatwave in Rome

In Rome, tourists around the famous sightseeing hotspot Pantheon on Monday (June 22) used umbrellas, anti-uv clothing and fans to cope with the blazing sun as the city reached 36 degrees Celcius (96,8 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the Italian Meteorological Service from Italian Air Force.

Italy, along with parts of Europe are experiencing an early summer heatwave, raising concerns of an early and persistent onset of extreme conditions.

The spike in temperatures is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fuelled by a strong high‑pressure system known as the "African anticyclone." Meteorologists say the system is creating a so‑called "heat dome", trapping hot air over Western and Central Europe and allowing temperatures to build day after day.

After several days of temperatures above 35 degrees Celcius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), Italian authorities issued a red alert for Sunday (June 21) in eight cities, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, and Turin.

Camera: Cristiano Corvino, Production, Writing and Editing: Clara Schoenthaler/Reuters