Even horses cool off as Milan heat reaches countryside stables

Italy is battling its first major heatwave of the year, with temperatures soaring above 34°C and prompting health alerts in 15 cities as authorities warn of risks to vulnerable groups. At a rural estate near Milan, trainers are keeping horses cool with water and care measures as the intense heat grips much of the country.

Claudia Greco, Claudia Chieppa, Matteo Negri/Reuters

27 May 2026 at 08:08:08

Instructor Ilaria, member of the Branco Ippopippo Giochi e Cavalli project, cools a horse down with water during a heatwave in Milan, Italy, May 26, 2026.

Claudia Greco/Reuters

Water splashed over dark coats and manes as trainers hosed down horses under the scorching sun on Tuesday (May 26) at Casa Chiaravalle, a rural estate on the outskirts of Milan, as high temperatures swept across Italy.

Trainers with the "Il Branco" project - a natural horsemanship programme - brushed the animals, offered carrots and let water run along their backs to keep them comfortable in the heat.

Italy is experiencing its first significant heatwave of the year, with northern and central regions among the hardest hit as temperatures rise weeks ahead of the official start of the summer season.

The heat is expected to intensify on Wednesday (May 27), when temperatures could exceed 34 to 35 degrees Celsius in major cities, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria.

Italy's Health Ministry has placed 15 cities under an "orange" alert, signalling potential risks for vulnerable people, including the elderly, children and patients with chronic illnesses.

The first signs of relief could emerge on Thursday (May 28), when cooler air from northern Europe is expected to weaken the high-pressure system, bringing a chance of thunderstorms.

-Claudia Greco, Claudia Chieppa, Matteo Negri/Reuters