Lack of Winter Snow in Italian Mountains Threatens Summer Drought
22nd March 2023
Last modified on March 27th, 2023
There has been around half as much snow falling as there should have been. This could have severe consequences for the water supply.
The government is reported to be considering a €7.8b package of measures to tackle the looming problem and ensure water keeps flowing.
The Alps has received less than half of its normal winter snowfall, according to scientists and environmental groups.
Italian rivers and lakes are suffering from a severe lack of water, the environmental group, Legambiente, said last month.
The Po is Italy’s longest river and runs from the Alps in the northwest to the Adriatic.
It currently has 61% less water than it should have.
Last summer the area suffered a drought as we reported at the time on PlanetSKI:
There are similar problems in France, though these have been eased slightly by some recent snow and rain.
The areas of the French Pyrenees did not see the recent heavy rain and snow and are under threat.
In Italy scientists claims that in the last decade the days of snow cover duration have decreased by at least 30 days and there are worrying implications for the future.
Despite the lack of snow this winter there has been a large number of people skiing and snowboarding this winter.
A recent survey by Federalberghi says numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels.
“We are indeed seeing a recovery despite not always favourable conditions,” said a statement from Federalberghi.
“Our mountains are an authentic brand, and the winter season must be protected at all costs.”
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