According to Italy's Ministry of Health, 16 cities were put under a red heat alert on Saturday, down from an earlier forecast of 19, before the number decreases to 14 on Sunday.

Meteorologists said southern Italy will remain the hardest-hit region, with temperatures approaching 50C (122F) in some areas.

Forecasters expect the current heat wave to begin weakening from Monday as the African anticyclone shifts westward.

Southern Italy and the islands are expected to remain very hot, although temperatures are forecast to decline slightly.