Yes, there was hail, flooding, tornadoes and extensive damage in Florence a few days ago, now it's been an intolerable 100F/38C and extremely humid. It's pretty unbearable in most cities in the summer, which is why most Italians close shop and go to the beach or to the mountains for a good part of the month. Visiting Italy in the summer, I would never choose Florence or Venice. There are way better places at that time of the year.

http://www.youreporter.it/video-foto...ne_estate_2015