Maltempo

Maltempo is the Italian term for adverse or severe weather conditions. The word combines mal (bad) with tempo (weather or time) and is used in meteorology and everyday language to describe episodes marked by precipitation, wind, and sometimes snow or freezing conditions.

In practical usage, maltempo can refer to heavy rain and thunderstorms, snowfalls, strong winds, hail, and related hazards such as floods, river overflow, and landslides. It often results from atmospheric instability and the passage of frontal systems associated with Atlantic depressions, with summer convective storms and winter storm systems commonly contributing to episodes of maltempo.

Seasonal patterns in Italy show a tendency for more frequent or intense maltempo in autumn and early winter, when moist air masses from the Atlantic meet cooler air, and in spring when rapidly rising temperatures can fuel thunderstorms. Coastal areas may experience strong winds and rough seas during storm episodes. The impacts range from property damage and road closures to disruptions of rail and air traffic, with vulnerable regions facing increased risk of flooding and landslides.

Monitoring and management of maltempo are coordinated by Italian meteorological and civil protection authorities. The national weather service and regional agencies issue forecasts and alerts, while the Protezione Civile runs the Allerta Meteo system, employing color codes such as yellow, orange, and red to indicate increasing levels of risk. Public guidance generally emphasizes following official forecasts, securing outdoor objects, and postponing travel during higher-alert periods.