Civil protection authorities issue heat warning in Emilia

Dalai Lama jokes about 'Indian' temperatures in Italy

(ANSA) - Bologna, June 10 - Civil protection authorities in the northern region of Emilia Romagna on Tuesday warned against high temperatures later this week as Italy suffered the first intense heat wave of the summer.

The department issued a special attention warning for low-lying areas around Bologna, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Parma and Piacenza from early Wednesday to early Friday, when temperatures could reach a maximum of 35 degrees before dipping slightly ahead of the weekend. Elsewhere the environmental watchdog Legambiente issued an ozone warning for the northern Lombardy region and advised residents to remain at home. Levels of ozone, the main and most dangerous component of photochemical smog, typically increase in hot, sunny weather. Even the Dalai Lama joked about the 'Indian' temperatures in Italy during a visit to the Buddhist Lama Tzong Khapa studies institute in Pomaia near Pisa on Tuesday. The hot temperatures, which began over the weekend, are expected to last through Friday, with "a peak scheduled between Wednesday and Thursday, when maximum temperatures will be almost anywhere between 30 and 35 degrees", Epson Meteo Center meteorologist Andrea Giuliacci said.

Temperatures are expected to lower over the June 14-15 weekend when Atlantic currents bring in more moderate, cooling breezes.