A heatwave stifled Italy on Wednesday, with temperatures up to 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit) and civil protection authorities issuing warnings for several cities including Rome and Milan.

The central regions of Perugia and Latina, north-central Bologna and northern Brescia were also under high alert.

A medium warning went out to Bolzano and Venice in the north and the central region's Florence, Rieti and Civitavecchia.

Meteorologists predict higher temperatures on Thursday, forcing up the alarm level in Venice and Florence, two of the country's top tourist destinations along with Rome.

The heatwave has sparked dozens of fires across the country, the forest service said.

AFP

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