by InTrieste
After weeks of late-summer warmth, residents of Friuli Venezia Giulia are bracing for a sharp drop in temperatures and the arrival of severe weather this week. Meteorologists have warned that a system moving in from the Atlantic is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region, prompting the Civil Protection Department to issue an orange alert — the second-highest level — for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The forecast points to violent thunderstorms, particularly in the provinces of Udine, Gorizia, and Trieste. Authorities say the combination of moist southwesterly air currents and Scirocco winds over the Adriatic is likely to create unstable conditions beginning late Tuesday, intensifying into Wednesday.
Officials caution that the storms could lead to widespread disruptions. Intense rainfall may overwhelm smaller rivers and urban drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding on roads and underpasses. Landslides are possible in hilly and mountainous areas, potentially cutting off local traffic. Stronger thunderstorms could also bring down tree branches, cause power outages, and affect transportation links. Along the coast, high seas driven by Scirocco winds may result in storm surges, threatening beaches and navigation.
The Forecast:
- Tuesday, Sept. 9: Showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected from late afternoon, becoming more frequent in the evening, particularly in southeastern parts of the region. Rainfall is forecast to be heavy at times.
- Wednesday, Sept. 10: Storms are likely to intensify along the coast, the lowlands, and eastern areas, with localized downpours that could be prolonged and severe. Elsewhere in the region, rainfall is expected to be more sporadic and less intense.
Regional authorities are advising residents to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to follow updates as the weather system moves through.
