Heat wave and shortage of water: vacation in Italy risky?

Heat wave and shortage of water: vacation in Italy risky?

At the beginning of the summer holidays in some federal states, the focus on vacation plans for many families, especially for trips to Italy. But the Foreign Office has updated its travel information due to a ongoing heat wave in Italy. The expected temperatures should reach up to 40 degrees in the coming days, with Tuscany and Latium in particular being affected. Temperatures above 30 degrees are also predicted in the PO level, including Lombardy as well as in Milan and Rome

A threatening shortage of water is emerging, which is particularly noticeable in the south and in the middle of Italy. According to the ISPRA Italian environmental authority, the middle warning level for drought was proclaimed for these regions. The situation in Sicily is particularly critical, where the highest alarm level is red and the water resources are very endangered. In view of these circumstances, the Federal Foreign Office warns of a significant lack of water in the middle and southern regions of the country.

dramatic effects of the drought

The heat wave, which reaches its peak between June 28 and July 2, even increases the temperatures in the south to up to 45 degrees, and up to 47 degrees are even possible. These extreme conditions lead to an increase in emergency rooms, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised people. The BR reports that water is rationed in Sicily for showers and garden irrigation. Residents are dependent on cisterns and tank trucks to cover the daily water requirement.

Some hotels have to struggle with the restrictions and may not be able to provide enough water for pools. In these cases, vacationers are entitled to compensation if pools remain empty or the shower times are restricted. The second half of 2023 was the driest in Sicily since 1921, with a decline in precipitation by about 80 percent. The Lago Pozillo, the largest reservoir on the island, has hardly any water.

health information and tips

Markus Pillmayer recommends travelers to exercise special caution and to find out more about the current weather and climate conditions, especially for people over 50 years. German vacationers are often not used to such extreme temperatures, which can result in health problems such as circulatory problems, sunstroke or dehydration. Vacationers should adapt to the daily rhythm of the locals and avoid the midday heat.

The Federal Institute for Public Health gives valuable tips for hot summer days: physical activities should be moved to the cooler morning and evening hours, it is important to keep the body cool, drink enough and easily eat. In addition, the sun protection should be used and medicines should be checked for your heat tolerance. Particular attention should also be paid to older people and children.

For the residents of Sicily, there is hope for heavy rains in the coming winter, which could be largely absent. Experts predict that in 2024 the lowest year and the heaviest drought could go into history for over two decades. Long -term forecasts indicate that around 70 percent of the island could be transformed into a desert by 2050.