Italians say they are enduring persistent high temperatures, with the country ranking among Europe's hottest areas as a round of record-breaking heatwaves engulfs a large part of the continent.
Italy's meteorological service forecasts the current round of extreme heat will last at least until the end of June.
Highest temperatures in cities including Rome, Milan and Florence could soar to 37-39 degrees Celsius.
Italy's Ministry of Health placed eight major cities -- including Rome, Milan, Florence and Bologna -- under its highest red alert level, indicating health risks for the entire population.
The current heatwave is expected to break the historic records set in the summer of 2003 in several aspects, including duration and extent.
The 2003 European heatwave, which lasted from June to mid-August, resulted in 20,000 deaths considered as related to hot weather in Italy.
"These days I try to go out early, then stay in my house the rest of the time, either with a fan on or the air conditioner running," said a Rome resident.
"To be honest, it's really tough to get through the heatwave. I have to watch what I eat, and only go out when it's relatively cool. I need to stop from time to time while I'm walking, because I have to get some rest," said another resident.
As temperature keeps rising, Italians' demand for cooling appliances such as air conditioners has been surging over the past decade.
It is estimated that around 60 percent of homes across Italy will be installed with at least one air-conditioner this year, a sharp rise from about 30 percent in 2013.
"The climate has definitely changed, because it's getting hotter and hotter compared with the previous years. It's just unbearable. You either stay indoors with the air conditioner on or head to the coast [to escape the heat]," said a Rome resident.
Meteorologists attribute the heatwave to a powerful "heat dome" stretching across Western and Central Europe. The system has trapped hot air originating from North Africa while preventing cooler Atlantic weather systems from bringing relief.
Italians endure unbearably high temperatures as heatwaves sweep Europe
Italians endure unbearably high temperatures as heatwaves sweep Europe
