Italy’s prolonged summer heat is set for a dramatic collapse this week. While Monday and Tuesday will still bring warm, sunny conditions with typical afternoon thunderstorms, a sharp weather deterioration is imminent. Meteorologist Federico Brescia of iLMeteo.it confirms the shift begins Wednesday, June 20th, as an intense weather front sweeps across the country, bringing significantly cooler temperatures.
Monday features unstable weather across the south, with cooler north-easterly winds fueling numerous thunderstorms. Central and northern regions fare better, though localized instability is possible over mountains. The first signs of major change arrive Tuesday afternoon, with thunderstorms breaking out over the Alps. By Tuesday evening or night, storms may extend to western Liguria.
The significant shift occurs between Wednesday, June 20th, and Thursday, June 21st. A disturbed front laden with much cooler air will trigger severe storms across central and northern Italy. Liguria, Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli, and Tuscany face the highest impact. With intense heat accumulated over recent days, the storms are expected to be violent, potentially bringing hail or dangerous flash floods.
Meteorologists also warn that the exceptionally high sea temperatures around Italy provide additional energy, potentially fueling extremely violent storm cells in the coming weeks and months. While high pressure may attempt to rebuild after this intense worsening, longer-term weather patterns could be significantly influenced by Hurricane Erin, currently tracking up the US East Coast and expected to head towards Europe.
Detailed Forecast:**
**Monday 18th:** North: Mostly sunny, thunderstorms possible over Piedmont Alps, slightly cooler. Centre: Thunderstorms inland; sunny elsewhere. South: Thunderstorms over mountains; sunny elsewhere.
**Tuesday 19th:** North: Sunny; increasing thunderstorms over Alps, reaching Northwest plains by evening. Centre: Sunny; isolated thunderstorms over mountains. South: Mostly sunny everywhere.
**Wednesday 20th:** North: Strong thunderstorms and temperature drop, especially west. Centre: Worsening in Tuscany with thunderstorms. South: Hot and partly cloudy.
**Outlook:** Further unsettled weather Thursday, improving Friday. Temperatures gradually decreasing.
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