Weeks without rain in the middle of winter reduce the flow of Venice’s canals. The Alpine region received half its usual amount of snowfall at this time of year, according to Reuters, and Italy is again facing a drought after an emergency in the summer of 2022.
In Venice, which often suffers from floods at this time of year, the canals are almost dry, making it impossible for gondolas, water taxis and ambulances to travel along some of the well-known canals.
The Italian city’s problems stem from a lack of rain, a high-pressure system, a full moon and even sea currents, but rivers and lakes across the country are suffering from water shortages, environmental group Legambiente said Monday. Reuters.
The longest river in Italy, which flows from the Alps northwest to the Adriatic Sea, has 61% less water than usual at this time of year.
In the past two weeks, the anticyclone has brought moderate temperatures that are usually felt only in late spring. However, weather forecasts indicate the arrival of precipitation and snow in Italy in the coming days.