(METEOGIORNALE.IT) And here we are: today marks the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Olympics, scheduled to take place this evening at San Siro Stadium. Here we will discuss what to expect from a meteorological point of view, not only today but also over the coming days. Let us begin with the weather conditions in Milan this morning.
The rain has now largely come to an end. The weather front is moving through, and around 14 millimeters of rain have fallen since midnight, although precipitation had already begun earlier. Rainfall was abundant over the plains, with persistent, heavy rain typical of winter. Additional snow has fallen over the Alps, all according to expectations, especially considering that for several weeks we had been forecasting a sporting event taking place under fresh, natural snow rather than artificial snow. Long live our Alps – they did not disappoint.
However, temperatures have risen significantly compared to recent days, bringing about an absolutely unusual climate for this winter. In the city, values between 7°C and 8°C are currently being recorded, temperatures that have not been observed in Milan for quite some time.
This therefore represents a very favorable start to the Olympics for today, also because a marked improvement in weather conditions is expected. Rain will end, and no precipitation is forecast for this afternoon or evening. That said, the atmosphere remains rather unstable, and an occasional weak cell with light drizzle could reach Milan this evening, although the probability is extremely low.
As for the afternoon, a maximum temperature of as much as 12-13°C is expected, a value well above the seasonal average, as is the minimum temperature. The climate will therefore be extremely pleasant, almost spring-like. This weather situation is being driven by a mild air current originating as far away as the Caribbean, associated with what is known as an atmospheric river.
Weather conditions overnight will be generally stable. The first possible drizzle could occur tomorrow afternoon, but by then the opening ceremony will already be over. Overnight temperatures will settle around 5°C, once again a value above average.
Those who will be in Milan for the Olympics this week will therefore be able to enjoy an unusual climate, the mildest of the entire winter, at least until Wednesday the 11th. Temperatures above 10°C, or around that level, are expected, with minimums slightly above 5°C. Colder weather should arrive later on: the latest forecasts indicate a possible temperature drop next week, but this scenario still needs to be confirmed, also because new periods of persistent rain could intervene.
At the moment, there is a significant discrepancy among the main international weather centers, which are outlining even very different scenarios. The European model (ECMWF), for example, for February 16 – more than ten days out – even suggests the possibility of snow in Milan. The American model (NOAA), on the other hand, forecasts frequent snow showers between February 15 and 19, accompanied by a marked cooling. At present, however, snowfall capable of disrupting road traffic in Milan appears unlikely, as snow would struggle to accumulate in the city according to current data. The situation is different toward the areas of Milan heading toward Lecco and Valtellina, but we will have time to discuss that.
After all, these are the Olympics of snow, not sunshine, right?
In conclusion, the cold that used to be more typical of this time of year is becoming increasingly rare due to Climate Change, and even this winter has failed to bring snow to Milan, a phenomenon that was once entirely normal.
We close by wishing everyone heading toward San Siro Stadium a wonderful evening. Start times are available on the official website; in any case, it is recommended to reach the stadium area in the early afternoon, by 5 p.m., considering that the show will begin at 7:15 p.m. with a pre-show.
As for the weather bulletin, all that remains is to wish everyone a pleasant continuation and to send a warm embrace to those who have arrived in Milan from all over the world. (METEOGIORNALE.IT)
