Semi-deserted streets, instead under the arcades a bustle of tourists and citizens looking for a cool corner to rest for a while. The heat has not yet left Cagliari and Sardinia, gripped for days in the grip of the anticyclone Cerberus, which is putting the island to the test with its "fiery tongues".

And in many areas – including the Cagliari area – a new orange fire alert is scheduled for Thursday, i.e. at “high” risk .

In the city, in Largo Carlo Felice, the thermometer is close to 35 degrees , but « it seems that there are 45, in the shade . A few weeks ago we were waiting for summer, then it arrived all of a sudden. He didn't even give us time to change wardrobes before we immediately found ourselves with tropical temperatures », complains a passer-by on the way to the bus stop. "I usually walk but I'm taking public transport, at least I'm cool," he confesses.

And while the jets of the fountain in Piazza Deffenu continue their water games undisturbed, a few steps from the hot asphalt of Viale Colombo, there are many citizens who choose to shelter from the sun's rays in the canopies of the Molo Dogana, for a break on the fly or a moment of relaxation. Here the heat «is felt, like everywhere. But the wind that blows from the sea helps a lot », explains Rita, who like other people has chosen to have lunch in the “company” of the many boats that populate the docks. “Unfortunately in the city – he continues – there aren't many places in the shade . It's true, there is no shortage of green spaces . But they are often not clean and I prefer to stay here. And then there is the "struggle" between those who, like me, want to grab a little place away from the sun's rays. But today went well», he confesses, with a smile.

To "challenge" the strength of Cerberus - in nearby Piazza Ingrao -   instead there is Angelo, 80 years old , who with the help of his cane has reached one of the free benches to spend the early hours of the afternoon: « It's too stuffy at home . How to deal with the heat in Cagliari? We make the sign of the cross, there is no other solution. Because if not the temperatures we are afraid of the bill . So everyone chooses the solution that is "less scary"», he jokes.

But the concern to check the weather app, hoping for a decrease in temperatures, will not abandon the Sardinians in the short term. In fact, following in the footsteps of the anticyclone named after the legendary guardian of the underworld, there will be the much more feared "companion" Charon who will ferry Sardinia towards even more extreme temperatures . So from Sunday 16 July peaks of 39-40 degrees will be recorded . The youngest are well aware of this who, by reading the "latest news" from their smartphones, have already thought of the best solutions to face the dreaded second half of July. «Usually when I'm at home I'm careful and close the windows and doors, so as not to lose the cool air. Then at night I open everything, to change the air. By doing this I can sleep peacefully», explains the 22-year-old Cristiano who, in the company of his friend Gabriele, stopped for a quick snack under the Palazzo della Regione, in via Roma. And just a few steps from there, the line of customers at the door of one of the city's ice cream parlors catches the attention of passers-by. «These days there are many people who have visited us for a granita, fresh water or an ice cream», explains Roberta, behind the counter of Peter Pan. "Often a pit stop here is also an "excuse" to spend a moment relaxing in a cool environment, and on days like this it's more than normal," he concludes.

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