Locals and tourists flocked to Rome's fountains to cool off on Wednesday (May 27) as Italy was facing its first heatwave of the year, with northern and central regions among the hardest hit by temperatures exceeding 34 to 35°C in several cities.

The first signs of relief could emerge on Thursday (May 28), when rainfalls are expected to bring temperatures down, although four cities remain on the highest heatwave alert level: Turin, Bologna, Florence and Rome.

To prevent the risks associated with high temperatures, the mayor of Rome signed on Wednesday a measure requiring employers in the construction and agricultural sectors to provide breaks in cool areas during the hottest hours.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Visitors resort to fountains to endure final hours of Rome's pre-summer heatwave

VIDEO SHOWS: PEOPLE COOLING OFF AT ROME'S FONTANA DELLA BARCACCIA NEAR THE SPANISH STEPS

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: ROME, ITALY (MAY 27, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. WOMAN FILLING BOTTLES AT FOUNTAIN

2. WOMAN COOLING CHILD'S FEET

3. PEOPLE STANDING AROUND FOUNTAIN

4. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE FILLING BOTTLES

5. WOMAN COOLING OFF

6. MAN SHELTERING FROM SUN WITH UMBRELLA

7. MAN FILLING BOTTLE

8. PERSON WETTING CAP

9. WOMAN DRINKING

10. VARIOUS OF PHARMACY SIGN DISPLAYING TEMPERATURE

11. PEOPLE GATHERING NEAR PIAZZA DI SPAGNA