Rome recorded its rainiest January ever. since 1782 and faces almost daily rainfall in February. The record volume of precipitation affects carnival celebrations and causes damage in several regions of Italy.
According to meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici, "January 2026 was among the three rainiest Januarys in Rome since 1782."
Across the country, the rainfall index was 58 percent above average last month.
Carnival in the rain
The carnival period in italian capital It usually brings together children in costumes in the squares and a large consumption of traditional sweets. This year, the rain reduced the number of people on the streets.
At Antico Forno Roscioli, a traditional bakery in Rome, manager Paolo Martinucci stated that "The rains are clearly harming the festivities and reducing sales."
Mayors of cities hit by storms have canceled or postponed events. The celebrations precede Lent, the period in the Christian calendar that precedes Easter.
Impacts across the country
Since the beginning of the year, storms have caused damage and disruption in different Italian regions. Coastal areas suffered from heavy rains in January.
In Sicily, the city of Niscemi He was left on the edge of a cliff after a large landslide caused by Storm Harry.
According to Tedici, the rains ended the drought in parts of the south, especially in Sicily and Sardinia. However, the exceptionally rainy period is now causing problems due to excess water in the center and south of the country.
Storms and climate change
Researcher Davide Faranda, research director at the Laboratory of Climate and Environmental Sciences in Paris, stated that Italy is under the influence of Storm Nils. The system had already hit France, Portugal, and Spain, bringing above-normal winds and rainfall.
According to him, climate change increases the intensity of heavy rainfall events in Europe by warming the atmosphere and expanding its capacity to retain moisture. The Mediterranean region is also warming faster than the global average, which could intensify precipitation.
Faranda highlighted that Italy's geographical position between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, in addition to its complex terrain and long coastal areas, increases its vulnerability to storms and orographic rainfall.
Tedici explained that the persistent rainfall is due to the polar jet stream, which is further south than usual. According to him, this is "basically bringing English weather to Italy."
The Anbi Water Resources Observatory has warned of the arrival of the so-called "Valentine's Day Cyclone," expected after the passage of Storm Nils.
FOLLOW-US
