The beginning of April 2025 is set to bring fluctuating temperatures across Italy, as a cold snap from the Arctic is expected to impact the weather significantly. According to meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici, the first week of April will resemble a roller coaster ride, with temperatures swinging dramatically. This abrupt shift has already resulted in snowfall at elevations as low as 700 meters in Abruzzo, accompanied by windstorms and hail in the Central-Southern regions of the country.
As the week progresses, another mass of cold air is anticipated to arrive from the Arctic, continuing the trend of unstable weather. This cold front is likely to bring residual snowfalls along the Apennine ridge and a humid flow towards Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, where snow is expected on the Alps at elevations up to 1000 meters. The picturesque winter landscape will contrast sharply with the rising temperatures in the plains, where warmer weather is anticipated.
From Thursday, April 3, 2025, through Saturday, April 5, 2025, temperatures are expected to rise under the influence of an African anticyclone, allowing for three days of predominantly sunny and mild weather. However, the calm will be short-lived. By Sunday morning, April 6, 2025, a second wave of cold air is forecasted to sweep across Italy, starting from the Triveneto region and expanding throughout the country. Current forecasts predict at least five days of below-average temperatures from April 6 to April 10, 2025, with the possibility of fresh snowfall in the hills and strengthening winds.
The weather alert has been issued for regions including Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, and parts of Puglia. The Civil Protection Department has declared a yellow weather alert due to the ongoing instability. This alert includes ordinary criticality for hydraulic risks and thunderstorms in various areas across these regions.
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the weather will start with cloudy skies and scattered rain in the North, with snow expected on the Alps above 1000-1300 meters and in the Apennines above 1400-1600 meters. By the afternoon, precipitation is anticipated in the Northwest, though other areas will remain drier with clearer skies. In the evening, local phenomena may persist in the western Alps, while the rest of the North will enjoy stable and dry conditions.
In the Central regions, many clouds are expected over the Adriatic regions, with scattered rain in Abruzzo, turning to snow above 1600-1700 meters. The southern regions and islands will also see scattered rain, particularly in Molise, Campania, and northern parts of Basilicata and Puglia, with more stable conditions elsewhere.
Looking ahead to Thursday, April 3, 2025, the weather is expected to stabilize with clear or slightly cloudy skies in the North, while the Center will also experience predominantly sunny conditions. However, instability may return in the South and islands, with showers forecasted over the Cilento and Calabria.
As the weekend approaches, the weather is expected to shift dramatically. A powerful cold air intrusion from the North Pole will hit Eastern Europe, then move towards Italy, bringing temperatures that could drop 8-10 degrees below seasonal averages. Nighttime and early morning temperatures could dip below 5 degrees in many cities across the Center-North, leading to a significant chill.
This late cold snap is anticipated to be particularly pronounced, with the potential for snow at low altitudes. The situation is reminiscent of previous years when similar cold spells occurred in April, specifically in 2001, 2003, and 1991.
From April 6, 2025, a new phase of instability is expected, marked by strong winds and a significant drop in temperatures. This will likely lead to unstable weather conditions, especially in the north and along the Adriatic coast, with the return of snow along the Apennine ridge and on the western Alps at unusually low altitudes for this time of year.
The forecast for the days following the cold snap indicates a gradual return to higher temperatures, particularly from mid-week onward, as high pressure begins to dominate the weather patterns again. However, the cold will persist in the Adriatic regions, the South, and Sicily, with the potential for frost in the plains of the Center-North.
In summary, April 2025 is shaping up to be a turbulent month for Italy, characterized by significant temperature fluctuations and alternating phases of bad weather. As the first week unfolds, residents should prepare for both warmer days and the return of winter-like conditions, particularly as the cold air mass approaches. The weather dynamics of this month are expected to mirror those of March, with a mix of spring warmth and unexpected cold snaps.
