Italy - Weather

The climate varies from north to south and between the islands. The north can have cold winters, while the south can be extremely hot in summer. Generally the coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate. The summers are hot and dry along the coast. The prevailing winds of summer are NW, although in many areas there is a daily pattern combining land and sea breezes.

It is worth noting that there has been a trend, in recent years, for the Ligurian Sea (north of the island of Corsica) to experience severe storms in late autumn. In common with other areas of the Mediterranean, damaging seas can build up very quickly (in as little as two hours!) when there are winds over Force 7.

There are continuous (computerised voice) forecasts on VHF Channel 68. These are first given in Italian, followed by an English translation. The forecast covers the next 12 hours wind direction and strength and also the sea state.

Sicily experiences an atmospheric pressure phenomena during the summer months called a “marrubbio” or meteotsunami. Whilst not a regular occurrence, it is very difficult to predict and can (if extreme) cause chaos. During this event the sea level can increase and decrease dramatically in a  matter of minutes. They are “atmospherically generated waves that amplify as they shoal and then resonate in bays and harbours” and can cause flooding and damage to vessels in port and at anchor.

Italy Meteorological Office (in English)

http://www.meteoam.it/ 

The Italian Meteorological Service is an organisational unit of the Italian Air Force (Servizio Meteorologico dell'Aeronautica Militare), and as such, the national meteorological service in Italy. The weather forecasts and other services serve both the armed forces and the general public.

http://www.eurometeo.com/ 

Marine and land forecasts in English.

For links to free global weather information, forecast services and extreme weather information see the Noonsite Weather Page