Italy is preparing for a drastic change in weather conditions, especially between Sunday 22 and Wednesday 25 December, due to the irruption of polar air currents from Northern Europe. This event will not only bring a sudden drop in temperatures, but will be accompanied by numerous precipitations, especially in the Centre-South and on the two largest islands.
The Adriatic Snow Effect: A Peculiar Atmospheric Phenomenon
In this context of intense cold, there will be the possibility of witnessing a very interesting atmospheric phenomenon: the Adriatic Snow Effect (ASE), or snow effect of the Adriatic Sea. This phenomenon occurs when cold air descends from North East coast meeting the warmer waters of the Adriatic. The contact between these two different air masses generates a process of rapid lifting of warm air from the sea, allowing the creation of conditions for sudden snowstorms, even at very low altitudes, down to the plains. The ideal conditions for the Adriatic Snow Effect will materialize between Monday 23 and Wednesday 25 December in Northern Italy.
According to the latest forecasts, heavy snowfall is expected in Marche, Abruzzo and Molise, with flakes that could reach the coasts. Even the more inland regions, such as Basilicata, Campania and Calabria, could see snowfall reaching the hills. On Pugliahowever, snow is expected up to the heights.
Christmas forecasts
While on the one hand the climate will be affected by snowstorms caused by the ASE effect, on the Tyrrhenian side there will be more stable and sunny conditions starting from Christmas day, even if the climate will be characterized by rigid temperatures, thanks to the influx of freezing winds from the northern quadrants. Despite the sun, the temperatures will remain well below seasonal averagesmaking the atmosphere decidedly wintry across much of the country.
After Christmas: improvement but with possible pitfalls in the South
The weather picture will change significantly immediately after Christmas. Starting from December 26, Boxing Day, a significant improvement in weather conditions is expected thanks to the arrival of a high pressure field that should bring greater stability, especially in the Center-North. However, for Southern Italy and Sicily, the situation could be more complex. A Mediterranean cyclone, insidious and persistent, could in fact generate heavy rains, with possible localized cloudbursts, precisely in the southern areas.
