Extreme Weather Events in Italy in 2024: Data and Regional Impact

Italy’s Escalating Climate Crisis: A Detailed Look at 2024

In 2024, Italy was battered by 351 extreme weather events, continuing a concerning trend for the third year in a row. The data, compiled by Legambiente’s Città Clima Observatory in partnership with the Unipol Group, paints a stark picture of a nation increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The rise in such events—up 485% from 2015—has brought severe consequences, from droughts and floods to urban and rural infrastructure failures.

Number of Events by Category (2024)

The Year in Numbers: Droughts, Floods, and More

The events of 2024 showcased a wide spectrum of climate impacts. Prolonged droughts accounted for the most significant increase in damages, surging by 54.5% compared to the previous year. River flooding rose by 24%, while urban flooding from intense rainfall saw a 12% uptick. These statistics underscore the dual pressures of water scarcity and excessive rainfall.

Northern Italy bore the brunt, recording 198 of the 351 extreme events. Emilia-Romagna was the most afflicted region, with 52 events, followed by Lombardy (49), Sicily (43), Veneto (41), and Piedmont (22). Among provinces, Bologna topped the list with 17 incidents, while Ravenna and Rome each recorded 13. In terms of cities, Rome was hit hardest with eight events, followed by Genoa (7) and Milan (6).

The transportation sector faced particularly severe disruptions. In October, heavy rains flooded Rome’s Cipro Metro station, causing its closure. Days earlier, storms had halted rail traffic between Rimini and Ravenna. In Milan, the September flooding of the Seveso River led to hours-long train delays and interrupted tram and subway services.

Categories with Largest Increases (2024 vs. 2023)

While northern regions contended with floods and storms, southern Italy grappled with prolonged droughts. Sicily, for example, faced 16 drought-related events, followed by Sardinia with nine. Meanwhile, urban flooding incidents were concentrated in Lombardy (25), Emilia-Romagna (22), and Sicily (15). River flooding was most frequent in Emilia-Romagna, which experienced 14 such events, more than any other region.

High-altitude areas were not spared, with the effects of global warming becoming increasingly visible. In 2024, the freezing point in the Alps climbed to 5,206 meters, approaching the 2015 record of 5,296 meters. Retreating glaciers and altered ecosystems further illustrated the challenges posed by rising temperatures.

Number of Extreme Events per Year (2015–2024)

Government Inaction and Calls for Change

Despite the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, Italy’s response remains insufficient. The National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) is yet to be implemented, with critical funding and preventive strategies still missing. Additionally, the establishment of the National Observatory for Climate Change Adaptation has been delayed, leaving gaps in coordination and preparedness.

Critics have pointed to the lack of urgency in addressing climate-related risks, emphasizing the need for immediate action. As storms, floods, and heatwaves increasingly disrupt lives and livelihoods, the absence of a cohesive strategy risks compounding the nation’s vulnerabilities.

The Global Context: Record Temperatures and Rising Seas

Italy’s climate challenges mirror global trends. Data from the Copernicus program identified 2024 as the hottest year on record, with average global temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C. November 2024 was the second warmest November ever recorded, with both air and sea surface temperatures nearing historic highs. The persistent rise in temperatures underscores the urgent need for international and local efforts to mitigate climate impacts.

As extreme weather becomes a defining feature of Italy’s climate, the nation faces critical choices. Investments in infrastructure, better urban planning, and comprehensive climate policies are essential to mitigate the escalating risks. Without decisive action, the toll on communities, ecosystems, and the economy is set to grow, leaving Italy increasingly vulnerable to the unfolding climate crisis.

Extreme Events Causing Transport Disruptions (Railways and Public Transport)

Number of Events by Geographic Region (2024)

Cities Most Affected (2024)

Provinces Most Affected (2024)

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Topics: extreme weather events in Italy 2024, impacts of climate change in Italy, drought and flooding in Italian provinces, heatwaves and transportation disruptions in Italy

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