Clear / cloudy in Rome — 37°C, wind 17 km/h

Rome is baking under extreme heat this afternoon, with temperatures hitting 37°C — that's nearly 99°F for those who still think in old money.

The Italian capital recorded the scorching temperature at 2pm local time today, with clear to partly cloudy skies offering little respite from the blazing sun. A light breeze of 17 kilometres per hour (about 11 miles per hour) is doing precious little to cool things down — that's barely enough to flutter a flag, let alone provide relief when you're melting on the Spanish Steps.

What it actually feels like

For context, 37°C is about the same as human body temperature, which means there's essentially no cooling effect when air touches your skin. It's the sort of heat where standing still feels like work, and any thought of sightseeing requires serious commitment and a very large bottle of water.

The good news, if you can call it that, is that there's been no rain — so at least it's a dry heat rather than the sticky, oppressive sort that makes you feel like you're wearing a wet blanket.

Extreme heat warning

Weather services have flagged this as extreme heat, which is not a label they throw about lightly. For Romans and the millions of tourists who flock to the Eternal City in August, it's a reminder to stay hydrated, seek shade during the hottest hours, and perhaps save that climb up to the Gianicolo for another day.

Elderly residents and visitors are being urged to take particular care, as are those with existing health conditions. It's the sort of weather where air conditioning stops being a luxury and becomes a genuine necessity.

The conditions are still ongoing as of this afternoon, with no immediate relief in sight.

Have you been caught in Rome's heatwave, or are you remembering similarly scorching summers from years past? Perhaps you know someone out there braving the heat? Do share your experiences below.