Italy’s Health Ministry has placed 27 major cities under its highest heat alert, while storms are forecast to bring relief from Wednesday.

Five people have died in Italy over the past 24 hours as a severe heatwave continues to affect much of Europe, according to Italian media citing the World Health Organization’s regional office for Europe.

The WHO has called an emergency meeting with European states for July 6, as health systems across the continent come under increasing pressure from extreme temperatures.

On Tuesday, June 30, 25 of Italy’s 27 monitored major cities were placed under the highest red alert by the Italian Health Ministry. The warning, which is expected to remain in place on Wednesday, applies to cities including Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Venice, Turin, Palermo and Bologna.

A red alert indicates emergency conditions, with possible health risks not only for vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses, but also for healthy adults.

Relief may come from the weather from Wednesday afternoon, when heavy rain and thunderstorms, often accompanied by hail, are forecast for parts of northern Italy. Downpours are also expected to reach central Italy on Thursday.

Across the country, several municipalities have opened museums free of charge until the end of the heatwave. Along with municipal gyms and cultural centres, these spaces are being used as cooling shelters for residents and tourists.

The heat has also raised concerns over Italy’s public childcare centres. Italian media report that many municipal nurseries do not have air conditioning, with indoor temperatures exceeding 36C in recent days.