Italy Faces Record 2023 of Extreme Weather Events and Heatwaves

Italy grappled with an exceptional surge in extreme weather occurrences, tallying 378 events throughout the year, as reported by the environmental group Legambiente. These incidents, comprising heatwaves, droughts, hailstorms, floods, and fierce winds, contributed to 31 fatalities. The agriculture sector faced devastating losses, estimated at 6 billion euros, affecting olive oil, peaches, nectarines, and wheat production. The northern region was hit hardest, experiencing 210 events, followed by 98 in central areas and 70 in the south. Italy’s record-setting warmth for over 150 years led to a dry summer and an anticipation of a warm end to 2023, signaling a toasty start for 2024.