Heatwave to peak with 19 cities on red alert Tuesday

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 13 - The heat wave gripping Italy is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to weather forecasts.
    A reported 19 cities on Tuesday and 22 on Wednesday will be on red alert, meaning the heat is so intense it is a threat to healthy people and not just vulnerable groups, the health ministry said.
    The long heat wave has also affected mountain areas.
    The temperature on Mt Blanc remained above zero for 33 hours at the weekend, the ARPA regional environmental agency for Val d'Aosta has said.
    The agency said the effects of the air temperature have reached the summit of the 4,805 metre high Monte Bianco, western Europe's tallest mountain.
    Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for bad weather Tuesday in the northern regions of Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta and in Alto Adige. (ANSA).