Temperatures across Italy in May were 1.83 degrees above the 1991-2020 average. In June, a “red” alert, the highest warning level, was issued in many cities due to extreme temperatures.
Precipitation rates, on the other hand, were even lower than in 2017, when the record for the lowest rainfall since the 1800s was set between January and May.
The water level in the country’s longest river, the Po, has dropped to its lowest level in 70 years. Water use restrictions have been imposed in dozens of municipalities in the Po basin region, which is critical for agricultural production.
Lastly, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala announced yesterday that they have taken a series of drought measures.
Measures such as cutting off the water of ornamental pools in the city and closing the fountains that irrigate lawns and green areas were taken.
In addition, the municipality asked citizens not to operate air conditioners below 26 degrees Celsius in their homes and workplaces; stores were instructed to keep their doors closed to prevent energy loss.
The Lombardy region, in which Milan is located, has also declared a water use emergency until 30 September.
RAIN PRAYER
Archbishop Mario Delpini, the highest representative of the Catholic Church in Milan, went to pray for rain yesterday. Delpini made a “pilgrimage” to 3 churches in regions with severe drought and prayed with the congregation.
The Archbishop also drew attention to the effects of man’s relationship with nature and his lifestyle and gave the message “to avoid waste and exploitation of natural resources”.
On the other hand, the drought alarm in Italy is not expected to ease in a short time. Stefano Patuanelli, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policy, said: “We expect almost the entire country to become a red alert zone in the coming weeks.
“The regions where the water level in rivers and lakes decrease and the water resources are insufficient are expanding,” he said.