During the upcoming weekend, Italy will be hit by an intense cold wave, the first of the meteorological Winter, bringing a significant change in the weather.
The sharply dropping temperatures will favor the arrival of snow even at low altitudes, with significant accumulations especially in mountainous areas.
The forecasts highlight particular variability between different areas of the country, with Northern Italy being more exposed to significant phenomena.
Northern Italy: low altitude snow and harsh climate
The weather conditions in Northern Italy will be influenced by the impact of the disturbance against the Alps, with variable effects depending on the areas.
From Saturday, December 7, precipitation will begin to intensify in the afternoon, with a progressive lowering of the snow level to about 1640 feet by the evening.
The most affected areas include Piedmont, Lombardy, and Central-Western Emilia, where very cold air at altitude could bring flakes even to the plains in case of intense precipitation. In the Eastern Alps, the snow will initially settle above 2296 feet, while in the presence of stronger phenomena, accumulations at lower altitudes are not excluded.
By night, a progressive shift of the front towards the Northeast will be observed, with snowfalls in Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the hills of Emilia Romagna.
Central Italy: snow on the Apennines and intense showers
The bad weather will reach Central Italy during the day on Sunday, December 8, with snow pushing down to altitudes around 2296 feet.
The most intense precipitation will be concentrated on the Tyrrhenian slopes, affecting regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, and Lazio, where thunderstorms are also expected.
In Sardinia, the cold wave will manifest with snowfalls on the Gennargentu, starting from about 2953 feet, with accumulations that could exceed 20 inches in the higher areas.
The adverse weather conditions will make travel difficult in the island’s interior areas.
Southern Italy: mountain snow and higher altitudes
In Southern Italy, relatively higher temperatures will limit the snow to elevations above 3281 feet, particularly on the Apennine ridge of Calabria and Basilicata. In Sicily as well, snowfalls are expected on the highest points, such as on Etna, where the cold could create picturesque but challenging scenarios for local connections.
Snow accumulations and extreme phenomena expected
The Eastern Alps will be among the most affected areas, with fresh snow accumulations that could exceed half a meter within 24 hours.
Significant snowfalls are also expected along the Northern Apennines, with smaller quantities in the central and southern areas.
This phase of winter weather anticipates further deteriorations expected at the beginning of next week, with more snowfalls and a further drop in temperatures.
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