Early Spring Arrives in Italy with Unseasonably Warm Temperatures

Italy is experiencing an early taste of spring, with temperatures reaching as high as 20-21°C (68-70°F) in many areas. This warmth is occurring despite it still being the beginning of March, a period when cooler temperatures are typically expected. Meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici explains the unusual weather pattern and its potential impacts.

Anomalous Warmth and High-Pressure Dominance

According to Lorenzo Tedici, the current temperatures are significantly above the climatological average for early March. Typically, maximum temperatures should not exceed 12-14°C (54-57°F). The widespread and consistent warmth across Italy represents a notable thermal anomaly, effectively an early arrival of spring.

The unusual weather is being driven by a high-pressure system that has established itself over the central Mediterranean, blocking the arrival of typical Atlantic disturbances. These disturbances are being forced to slide south, dissipating over Algeria.

Fog and Humidity Concerns

Even as the high pressure is bringing sunshine to many areas, it is also contributing to increased humidity in the lower atmosphere. This is leading to dense and frequent fog, particularly in the Po Valley and along the coasts of the Middle-Upper Adriatic.

Regional Variations in Weather

The southern islands and mainland Italy are experiencing some instability and rainfall due to disturbances being diverted towards North Africa. Sardinia, Sicily and Calabria are expected to see some precipitation on Friday and over the weekend. A Spanish cyclone may bring showers to the westernmost sectors of the country next week.

Long-Term Outlook: A Warm March Ahead

Long-term weather models indicate that temperatures will remain consistently above average for the remainder of March. The month is expected to be generally dry in the first half, with a potential for increased rainfall in the second half, though still within a mild climate context.

Recent Weather Patterns in Italy

Italy has experienced a series of extreme weather events recently. January 2026 ranked as one of the three wettest Januarys in Rome since 1782, following persistent bad weather throughout the beginning of the year. These storms ended droughts in southern regions like Sicily and Sardinia, but also caused excess water problems in central and southern Italy.

February 2026 is on track to be the second wettest February of the 21st century in Italy, following the exceptionally wet winter of 2013-2014.

Italy is identified as a “hot spot” for climate change in Europe, experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, including droughts and intense rainfall.