Italy is set to experience an intense heat wave lasting through at least Wednesday, September 9, with temperatures expected to climb between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius across parts of the country.

Forecaster Lorenzo Tedici said a powerful North African high-pressure system moving over the Mediterranean will keep temperatures unusually high, pushing them about eight degrees above seasonal averages.

Northern and central Italy are expected to experience sunny and increasingly hot conditions, while the south will remain largely sunny, with isolated showers possible in the Calabrian mountains.

The heat is forecast to intensify on Friday and Saturday, particularly in northern Italy, as the African high-pressure system strengthens and drives temperatures towards their peak.

However, cooler Atlantic air is expected to begin moving into the country from Wednesday, September 9, signalling a possible shift in weather conditions.

Forecast models suggest the high-pressure system could collapse after September 9 as cold air descends from the North Atlantic, potentially bringing an end to the prolonged spell of extreme heat.