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Water availability, reached an all-time low: maximum deficits in Sicily, Sardegna and in the Po river district

In 2022, about 20% of the national territory will be affected by extreme drought
June 17, 2023 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

The downward trend recorded by ISPRA in terms of national water availability continues in 2022, with an average value slightly exceeding 221 mm and a reduction of over 51% compared to the average referring to the period 1951-2022, hits an all-time low.

Sicily (–80.7%), Sardinia, (–73%) and the River Po River Basin District (–66%) are the areas most affected by the water deficit in 2022.

Drought, confirmed the growing trend. In 2022, about 20% of the national territory was in conditions of extreme drought and about 40% in severe and moderate drought. In terms of persistence of drought conditions, 2022 is the third most serious year in Italy, preceded only by 1990 and 2002

Press release (ita)

BIGBANG model developed by ISPRA which analyzes the hydrological situation from 1951 to 2022 providing a detailed picture of the components of the hydrological balance and of the renewable water resource