A third heat wave of the year is affecting Italy, with temperatures expected to remain high at least until July 20, according to meteorologists. The phenomenon is linked to an Omega weather configuration that brings warm air masses over the country. The heat is particularly intense in urban areas. In addition to the heat, several Italian regions are facing wildfires. Piedmont and Sardinia are among the most affected. In Piedmont, fires have burned between 800 and 900 hectares of forest across the provinces of Turin, Vercelli, Novara, and Verbano Cusio Ossola, according to a provisional assessment by the regional government. The loss is estimated at around 700,000 trees. The regional government described the situation as an ecological catastrophe, noting that two to five years will be needed for pioneer plant species to return, and between 50 and 70 years for the original oak, beech, and conifer ecosystems to regain their structure. Recent rainfall has helped contain the fires. In Sardinia, the airport of Olbia was closed for several hours due to the fires. Weather alerts for thunderstorms are also active in several areas of the country.