Italy is setting up an emergency telephone hotline to help people cope with a heat wave that is set to become even more fiery over the next few days.

Health Minister Ferruccio Fazio said on Wednesday 14th July that the hotline, 1500, would enable people to get help if they are in difficulty and obtain information on how to cope with the sizzling temperatures.

''We are in a situation of alert,'' said Fazio, adding that the service will be up and running within a few days.

A maximum temperature of 37°C was registered on Wednesday in Trapani, 36°C in Foggia and Taranto, 35°C in Catania, 34° in Bologna, Bolzano, Florence and Perugia. Temperatures are set to rise even higher from Thursday to Sunday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Italy's civil protection department issued its highest "level 3" heat warning for six cities, namely Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Genoa, Rome and Turin.

But 19 of the country's 27 cities are expected to be on full alert by Friday, when temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius in several areas because of a high pressure system that is funneling hot air off the Sahara, ANSA reported.

The warnings are issued when temperatures are forecast to surpass 35 degrees Celsius in conditions of high humidity to make the perceived level of heat even greater.

Local authorities are trying to take special measures for protecting those most at risk: the elderly, newborns and people with respiratory or cardiovascular problems. People were advised to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of liquids and eat fruit and vegetables.