Italian meteorologists describe mythological figures descending from Africa and ancient dog stars rising at dawn, when all you wanted to know was how hot it's going to get this weekend. So what exactly are they talking about?

Surface temperatures of 80C recorded at Rome's Termini station, Italy's economy facing major losses due to climate crisis, and more news on Thursday.

The heatwave gripping Europe is putting people's health at risk, and the continent's leaders must invest in making their health services more climate-resilient, the WHO chief said Wednesday.

Italy on Wednesday criticised comments by NATO chief Mark Rutte on the politically sensitive issue of US forces using bases in Italy during the Iran war.

Delivery riders dashed around Rome in the hottest hours of the day on Wednesday as activists with a thermal imaging camera detected blistering temperatures in the streets.