The damage caused by heat and dry weather in Italy is estimated at around EUR 1 billion a year, the Coldiretti association of Italian agricultural producers said on Tuesday.
Report informs, citing TASS, that according to the association, heat and long time no rain dry out the land, fruits, and vegetables and provoke stress in animals. Moreover, rising temperatures are behind the spread of insects harmful to crops.
Nearly 70 forest fires - mostly in southern regions - Calabria, Apulia, and Sicily - have not yet been contained. Authorities warn of the worsening situation due to the heatwave. The highest 'red' level of weather alert due to heat is in place in four Italian cities, including Rome. The meteorological alert will spread to four more cities on Wednesday and will be in place in ten cities on Thursday. Meteorologists expect the temperatures to reach 47-48 degrees in some southern regions.