Today : Apr 25, 2025
Climate & Environment
25 April 2025

Italy Braces For Severe Weather On Liberation Day

As conditions improve, new storms threaten various regions across the country

Weather conditions in Italy are showing signs of improvement as of April 24, 2025, following a period of severe weather that impacted various regions. Satellite imagery and meteorological radar indicate a gradual easing of adverse weather, with residual showers primarily affecting the northeastern areas of the country. Temperatures have remained stable, hovering around the average for this time of year, without significant fluctuations.

However, the situation is set to change as Italy prepares for the upcoming Liberation Day on April 25, 2025. Forecasts predict a deterioration in weather conditions, particularly on the Adriatic side and in the inland areas of the middle Tyrrhenian Sea during the afternoon. This will likely bring intense showers and thunderstorms, particularly in regions such as Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia.

The Civil Protection Department has issued a detailed weather bulletin that outlines expected precipitation patterns across the country. According to the bulletin, scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated in regions including Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Marche, with cumulative amounts ranging from weak to moderate. Isolated showers and brief thunderstorms are expected in eastern Lombardy, Romagna, and parts of Tuscany, Lazio, Campania, and Basilicata, with generally weak cumulative amounts.

As part of the preparations for the anticipated weather changes, the Civil Protection Department has declared an orange alert for hydraulic risk in Veneto, particularly for the Po River and its tributaries, including the Fissero-Tartaro-Canalbianco and Basso Adige regions. A yellow alert has also been issued for thunderstorms across several regions, including Abruzzo and Molise, as well as for hydraulic risk in Emilia Romagna and Lazio.

In the Marche region, a yellow alert for thunderstorms has been established, valid from midnight on April 25 until midnight on April 26. The forecast indicates that from late morning into the afternoon, scattered showers or thunderstorms will develop, particularly in the hilly areas, potentially becoming locally intense. The phenomena are expected to subside by late afternoon.

In the context of weather-related challenges, the region of Emilia-Romagna has been grappling with a landslide in Palagano, which prompted the local government to activate a state of crisis. The mayor of Palagano, Fabio Braglia, has called on the government to declare a state of natural calamity. In response, Michele De Pascale, the president of the Emilia-Romagna region, has signed the decree to allow for the allocation of new funds to assist affected populations.

In addition to the landslide, a recent hailstorm in the Fucino area of Abruzzo has caused significant damage, destroying approximately 90 percent of vegetable crops. Coldiretti L'Aquila has called for a state of calamity in light of the extensive damage, particularly to crops like onions and carrots. The organization emphasizes the need for immediate intervention to support farmers affected by such extreme weather events.

As the country braces for further weather instability, forecasts indicate that snow will fall in the northeastern Alps, potentially heavily, down to altitudes of 1400-1600 meters, especially in the Belluno area. Winds are expected to pick up, with strong north-westerly winds forecasted for Sardinia and Sicily, and locally strong northerly winds on the upper Adriatic.

The Civil Protection bulletin also highlights that visibility will not be significantly affected, and no major temperature changes are expected. However, the seas are anticipated to be very rough in the Sardinia Sea and Strait of Sicily, with wave motion gradually easing.

Looking ahead, the weather is expected to stabilize slightly after April 26, with clearer skies predicted. However, the potential for new instability remains, especially in the interior regions as the country transitions into the next week.

In Florence, a recent exercise was conducted to prepare for potential flooding in underpasses, highlighting the city's commitment to ensuring the safety of residents during severe weather events. The simulation tested the response of emergency services and the effectiveness of alert systems in place to manage weather-related emergencies.

As the weather continues to fluctuate, residents across Italy are urged to stay informed through official channels and to heed warnings issued by local authorities. The Civil Protection Department remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and responding to the needs of affected communities.

In summary, Italy's weather landscape is currently marked by a mix of improvement and impending challenges, with authorities actively preparing for the impacts of expected storms and continued adverse weather conditions.