Italy has placed 12 cities under the most severe heat warning as southern Europe records temperatures over 40 degrees, with the worst still to come.

Civil protection services reported 18 calls for help on Monday to douse wildfires that raged in several southern regions.

Italy Correspondent Jo McKenna told Mike Hosking the country oddly faces worsening drought in the South, and heavy storms up North.

She says the feverish conditions have caused rising tension towards tourists.

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