Rome swelters as September heatwave persists

Rome's iconic "nasoni" drinking fountains are seeing heavy use as the Italian capital endures a prolonged spell of extreme heat that has extended into September. The city has been placed under a yellow alert by the Italian Ministry of Health, a warning that signals conditions that could precede a heatwave.

Temperatures in Rome are expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) over the weekend, according to the Italian Air Force's weather service, which has also forecast above-average temperatures across the country.

Residents are feeling the strain of the extended hot weather. "Compared to previous years, to put it mildly: they've opened the gates of hell in Rome," said Alessandro Vasto, a local resident. "We've never experienced such extreme heat. As for me, I can tolerate the heat, but I think it has caused quite a few problems. This heat is unacceptable."

Others described the difficulties of coping with the conditions. Daniela Licitri, another Rome resident, said she had escaped to the mountains for ten days. "It was tough in Rome, partly because the air conditioning wasn't working very well, but somehow I made it through," she said.

The heat has also disrupted daily life for workers. Taher Ashimawy, a barista who relies on public transport, described the commute as particularly challenging. "It was really, really terrible, and especially hard because I use public transportation to get to work," he said. "Service disruptions on the subway and bus lines. Buses without air conditioning, it was really tough."

In nearby Vatican City, a pharmacy display registered 34 degrees Celsius (93.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Tourists in St. Peter's Square were seen using umbrellas and hats for shade, while others fanned themselves in the open expanse.