Average temperatures are also worrying. In February, they were 2.3°C higher than average, followed by 2.9°C higher in March, 1.9°C in April and 1.1°C in May. June is registering an average of at least 2°C more.
Dried out cherry trees due to the drought and lack of irrigation (archive photo from the 2012-2013 season)
"At the moment, 2017 is in line with 2012 and 2003. It will all depend on the temperatures and rainfall during the next three summer months. We must also consider that very little snow fell in winter, and rivers suffer from this."
The ratio between rain and evapotranspiration is negative. In Emilia Romagna, less than half the rainfall normally expected between October and today.
The forecast made by Arpa on June 19th is of temperatures close to 35°c in Emilia Romagna at least until June 25th.