ROME (AP) — Italy experienced a record number of extreme weather events in 2023, a year expected to be the best in more than 150 years, according to reports released Thursday.
According to the meteorological observatory managed by the environmental organization Legambiente, Italy recorded 378 severe weather events in 2023, 22% more than last year, ranging from heatwaves to droughts and hailstorms, to floods and excessive winds, which are related to the environment. responsible for at least 31 deaths.
On the other hand, agricultural sector union Coldiretti said there have been more than nine extreme weather events per day this year on the boot-shaped Italian peninsula.
In his report, Coldiretti estimates that excessive weather has a record 6 billion euros ($6. 6 billion) damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure, leading to deficits in the country’s production of olive oil, peaches, nectarines and wheat.
Legambiente said its calculations show the north of the country has been hit the hardest, with 210 separate extreme weather events, followed by 98 in the central regions and 70 in the south, which includes the island regions of Sicily and Sardinia.
Extreme weather events are accompanied by flooding, record temperatures, rain-triggered landslides and hail storms, according to the statement.
Much of Europe has experienced a long, dry summer and multiple severe weather events this year, but Italy is hit hardest due to its extensive coastline and exposure to the sea on two coasts. Meteorological knowledge indicates that this year is expected to be the warmest in more than 150 years of records in Italy.
At the same time, weather agencies expect the year to end with an era of heat, with maximum temperatures during daylight hours across much of the Italian peninsula, ensuring that 2024 starts with warm weather.