Temperatures across much of Italy are approaching or exceeding those recorded during the infamous summer of 2003, as heatwaves become more frequent. Summer 2026 could be one of the hottest summers on record in Italy, potentially even surpassing the record heat the country experienced in 2003, according to weather forecasters. While we’ll have to wait until the end of summer for the full picture, temperatures recorded so far are close, and in some areas higher than, those seen during the summer of 2003, as reported by the news agency ANSA. Forecasts say temperatures could fall in the coming days, especially in the central and eastern Alps, where there might be some storms. However the heat is expected to return, with high temperatures expected across much of Italy throughout next week.