"Drought is currently a serious problem in central Italy. The data is very worrying from Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Lazio. In addition, the situation is rather difficult in Piedmont and south Veneto," reports meteorologist Pierluigi Randi."Let's take Emilia Romagna, for example. The deficit since October 2016 is 400 mm of rain in the Parma and Piacenza provinces and 200 mm between Reggio and Bologna. Romagna is doing a little better with 80-200 mm less. Of course crops will be stressed, especially if there is no water availability for irrigation. In southern Italy, the lack of water is less of a problem."
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.
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.