Home / Weather News /

Drought in Italy: Lakes and rivers disappearing

11:00
13 August 2022

Drought in Italy
Lakes and rivers disappearing

Several lakes and rivers are drying up as a result of drought across Europe.

The Thames, the Rhine and the Po are all examples of major European rivers suffering from record-low water levels. Lakes have also been In Italy, it has also severely affected Lake Braies in South Tyrol.

Despite heavy downpours of rain in recent days around Valdaora, Val Badia and Val di Fassa, which caused serious damage and numerous mudslides, the water level in the lake is still exceptionally low.

How Lake Braies usually looks when at fuller capacity, in 2020Lake Braies at fuller capacity in 2020 - © picture alliance

To get to the water in today’s conditions, you would need to walk at least ten metres further than usual. Although this may not sound significant, in the context of a lake withdrawal, it is vast.

With the front of the lake set back several metres, the pile-dwellings to access the barges are now completely uncovered.

Much of the melt water from the Marmolada glacier often flows into the lake. However, there are warning signs that the glacier may not exist for much longer; perhaps disappearing in the 25 to 30 years as the Alps retreat in a warming climate.

The Fedaia reservoir is also extremely low and was already below-average at the start of July. In England too, several reservoirs are also less than half-full.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Wednesday 16 July 2025

Numerous fatalities

Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan
Split image showing storm clouds over a coastal town on the left, and a circumzenithal arc on the right.
Sunday 13 July 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Summer warmth and sights
Wednesday 9 July 2025

30°C in London

Summer comeback in the UK
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday 4 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Gusty and wet end to the week
Monday 14 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Turning gusty as temperatures ease
Temperature radar showing daily highs for the UK and Ireland. Warmest in south-east England. Next to a weather map showing heavier rain over Ireland, showers in parts of England and Scotland.
Wednesday 16 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Some rain but warmer again
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement