Italy is bracing for intense winter weather starting February 25, as a series of Atlantic weather systems sweep across the country. Meteorological forecasts predict significant rainfall and snowfall, particularly affecting northern regions and the Apennines, with some areas facing possible heavy storms.
According to Meteo.it, the week is set to begin with moderate rain across central and southern Italy as the first weak Atlantic disturbance makes its way out of the country. This is expected to clear out by the end of February 24, only for another, more intense system to arrive between February 25 and February 27, bringing with it widespread unsettled weather.
The effects of the incoming disturbance were echoed by Corriere della Sera, noting it would lead to cloudy skies and heavy rains, particularly across the central regions. The intensity of the precipitation will ramp up significantly by mid-week, when storms and possible strong thunderstorms are anticipated. Weather experts foresee the apex of instability hitting between Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with the arrival of cold fronts.
The expected snowfall is set to return to the Alps, primarily at medium to high altitudes, as stated by iLMeteo.it, which reported, "From Tuesday, February 25, snow will return to the Alps and then to the Apennines." The rise of humid and unstable winds has left much of Italy under near-autumnal conditions as the cold weather retreats.
Local weather expert teams warn of temperatures dropping across the country following the arrival of cold fronts, creating conditions ripe for abundant precipitation and potential hazards from flooding. Reports indicate snow will likely accumulate above 900-1300 meters on the Alps, with lower elevations expecting less significant snowfall.
The onslaught of weather patterns is described as part of the renewed “Atlantic door” opened over Italy, which has allowed the disturbances to flow unimpeded across the Italian Peninsula. A spokesperson from Adnkronos elaborated on the expected rapid transitions from rainy conditions to snowy terrain, stating, "A rapid depression from the Atlantic is marginally affecting the high-pressure areas over central Mediterranean, leading to increased instability and precipitation throughout the week."">
Throughout the forecast, meteorologists anticipate the weather system will be preceded by warmer temperatures, pushing close to 20°C due to incoming warm winds from North Africa. This unforeseen temperature increase earlier in the week will be followed by stark cooling due to the arrival of the cold front.
Reporters from meteorological stations across Italy, including MeteoLive.it, indicate the weather will reach its climax of instability between Tuesday night and Thursday, February 27. The latest reports warned of significant rainfall affecting many central and southern areas.
While not expecting conditions as severe as those observed with Siberian cold fronts, the situation remains serious as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: “The country will undergo significant weather changes as the cold vortex approaches, with expected precipitation and snowfall on the Alps.”
Authorities have issued weather alerts across affected regions, urging citizens to stay informed and exercise caution during the expected turbulent weather conditions. This includes warnings about possible local flooding and traffic hazards due to the combination of rainfall and rapid snowmelt expected across mountainous regions.
With the winter season approaching its end, forecasts look beyond February to March, where the possibility of more winter disturbances could arise, leading to cold snaps and potential snow falls at low altitudes. “We may witness surprise winter storms,” cautioned meteorologists familiar with past March weather patterns, indicating it’s not unusual for such weather events to linger beyond the conventional winter months.
Overall, Italy prepares for what looks to be another wintry week filled with rain, snow, and fluctuated temperatures as it navigates between late winter and early spring conditions. Keeping safety and preparedness at the forefront amid these unpredictable weather patterns remains imperative for residents and travelers alike.