The beginning of May 2025 will mark a significant turning point for the weather in Italy as the African anticyclone makes its presence felt across the Mediterranean basin. After weeks of unstable atmospheric conditions, characterized by frequent rain and remnants of winter, Italians can expect a drastic change in the climate as warm air masses begin to dominate.
Starting from Tuesday, April 30, a warm subtropical air mass will rise from the Sahara, pushing the anticyclone into the heart of the Mediterranean. This shift is expected to stabilize the atmosphere and push away the Atlantic disturbances that have been prevalent throughout April. The real turning point will arrive with the May 1st Bridge, when the anticyclone reaches its maximum expansion, enveloping the entire national territory.
According to forecasts, temperatures may soar to around 30°C, particularly in the Po Valley, the internal valleys of Sardinia, and the central Tyrrhenian plains. This anomalous heat wave is expected to bring temperatures that are 5 to 7 degrees above the seasonal average, offering a taste of summer to much of Italy.
Southern Italy, while initially on the outskirts of the anticyclonic influence, will also see rising temperatures, with maximums nearing 27-28 degrees. This weather pattern will create ideal conditions for outdoor activities, as the skies are expected to be predominantly clear or only slightly cloudy.
However, this warm spell may not last long. The second half of the first weekend of May could see a return to instability, with the possibility of new disturbances from the Atlantic. Meteorologists warn that these changes could disrupt the current balance, leading to thunderstorms and unstable weather conditions, especially in the northern regions and along the Apennines.
The transition into May is shaping up to be a stark contrast to the cool and wet conditions experienced in April. While the arrival of the African anticyclone offers a promising forecast for the first days of May, experts caution that it does not signify a permanent shift to summer weather.
As the month progresses, the dynamics of the weather may continue to fluctuate, with additional cool and rainy phases expected. Despite these uncertainties, the first significant heat wave of 2025 is anticipated to dominate the May 1st holiday, promising sunshine and high temperatures across the country.
In summary, the upcoming weather changes present a welcome relief for those who have been longing for warmer temperatures. The African anticyclone's influence is expected to bring a delightful taste of summer, albeit temporarily, as the weather remains dynamic and unpredictable.