The mountains from the Alps to the Apennines are bare up to high altitudes: the fault of mild and anticyclonic ⁣weather.

Despite frequent precipitation ⁢in October, what struck residents and tourists is the absence of snow cover, a phenomenon due to above-average‌ seasonal temperatures‍ that prevented snow accumulation.

This unusual scenario is a clear indicator of ongoing climate changes that are⁣ altering the climate and characteristics of the mountains.⁣ But how is it possible that at the end of November the snow cover ⁤is still not uniform down to⁣ the lower⁣ altitudes?

High temperatures and no snow

Autumn in Italy has been marked by a significant increase in ​temperatures compared‍ to previous years.

Even ⁢with abundant rains during October, the precipitation ‌manifested in liquid form at altitudes where the first snowfalls are usually observed.

The abnormal temperatures inhibited the freezing process and, consequently, the accumulation of snow.

This trend⁢ highlights the influence ⁢of global warming, which is modifying traditional weather patterns, with repercussions on the mountain environment and its peculiarities.

An October without ‌snow cover

In general, October is the month when ‌Italian mountains start to be covered with snow, especially above 6,561 feet (2,000 meters).

Early snow cover ‍is essential to ensure a stable‍ base that supports the entire winter season, crucial for skiing activities.

This year, however, the mountains have always​ been without the characteristic white mantle, due to​ temperatures well above average. Despite the ⁤abundant rain, snow ‍was missing at medium altitudes,‌ alarming ski resorts ⁢that‌ fear a delay in the start of the winter season, with potential economic losses for the mountain tourism sector.

A very dry November

The⁣ climatic anomalies of this Autumn ​are partly due to⁢ the influence of Anticyclones, which bring warm air masses from North‍ Africa and the Mediterranean.

These‍ atmospheric systems ⁣have blocked the arrival ⁢of cold currents from Northern Europe,‍ traditionally responsible for the ​first snowfalls.

According to current forecasts, the trend towards higher ‌temperatures⁤ could persist in the coming months,⁤ with a stable and dull Winter.

Risk to water reserves

The lack of early snow is‍ not only a problem for winter tourism but also threatens essential water reserves ​for the hydrological ⁤cycle.

The snow that accumulates in Winter and gradually melts in Spring helps to replenish rivers and lakes, ensuring a constant water flow.

With⁢ scarce snowfalls, there is a risk⁢ of reduced water reserves for the warmer months, with possible consequences for agriculture and civil supply.

In particular, regions already ⁤subject to periods of drought could ⁣find themselves in difficulty‍ in the near future, depending on the snow resources that did not accumulate during the Autumn.

Disrupted seasons

The absence of snow⁢ on the Alps and the Apennines is just one of the symptoms of a broader disruption of the seasons.

The effects of climate ​change are increasingly evident, ⁣not only in Autumn but also in Winter, Spring, and Summer, which now present extreme and irregular ‍phenomena.

The Italian climate is characterized by long periods of High Pressure, followed by episodes of unstable weather and intense precipitation.

This makes⁣ the climate ⁣increasingly erratic.

The mountains, ​once covered with snow starting from October,⁤ now suffer from temperatures‍ that, even if temporarily dropping, cannot maintain⁤ the snow on the peaks.

Winter sports enthusiasts and tourism operators ​hope for a reversal of the trend in the coming ​weeks, but current climate projections do not promise immediate improvements. After the cold snap, mild weather will return…