Italy’s fifth major heatwave of the summer is beginning to ease, with thunderstorms expected in several regions and temperatures set to fall over the coming days. The subtropical anticyclone that has dominated Italy’s weather in recent weeks, bringing exceptionally high temperatures, is now giving way to more unstable weather patterns. According to Federico Brescia, a meteorologist with iLMeteo.it, the change will begin gradually before becoming more significant later in the week.
The first thunderstorms were expected on Monday, August 17, particularly in the Alpine and Prealpine areas, northeastern Italy, eastern Liguria, northern Tuscany and along the Adriatic coast. On Tuesday, August 18, showers were expected to move towards southern Italy, while much of the rest of the country should see clearer skies.
A more substantial change is forecast from Thursday, 20 August, when weather models indicate the arrival of a more organised area of low pressure. It is expected to move in from the northwest before spreading across northern Italy and the Tyrrhenian regions.
Risk of severe storms and hail
The transition from extreme heat to unsettled conditions could itself bring some dangerous weather. Weeks of high temperatures have left large amounts of heat and moisture stored in the land and sea surface. When colder and more unstable air arrives, that energy can fuel powerful thunderstorms.
Brescia warned that the worsening weather could therefore produce severe thunderstorms and hailstorms, particularly from the second half of the week.
Weather forecast by region
Tuesday, August 18: Conditions should be largely sunny in northern and central Italy, although the Apennines and surrounding areas will remain unstable. Thunderstorms are possible in the southern mountains, while most other southern areas should stay dry and sunny.
Wednesday, August 19: The north should remain broadly stable, although isolated storms could develop in mountainous areas. Central Italy is expected to be mostly clear, with some instability around the Apennines. The south should remain largely sunny, with showers possible in the mountains.
From Thursday, the more significant deterioration is expected to develop, particularly in the north and across areas facing the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Siena’s Palio postponed by rain
The unsettled weather affected one of Italy’s best-known summer traditions. Siena‘s famous Palio horse race was postponed again on Monday after rain left the tuff track in Piazza del Campo too wet for the horses.
The race, traditionally held on August 16 in honour of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, had already been postponed because of the weather. On Monday, the green flag announcing the cancellation was once again displayed beneath the three-lancet windows of the Palazzo Pubblico.
Rain had soaked the specially prepared track, making conditions unsuitable and potentially dangerous for the horses.
The Palio was eventually held on Tuesday, 18 August.
For much of Italy, the change in weather will come as welcome relief after weeks of oppressive temperatures. But with the possibility of violent storms and hail later in the week, cooler does not necessarily mean calmer.
