Italy’s Po River has fallen to historically low levels as prolonged drought and the country’s fourth major heatwave of the summer intensify pressure on water supplies and agriculture across northern Italy.
Large sections of the riverbed have become exposed near Pavia, while shrinking flows are affecting areas throughout the Po basin. The river is Italy’s longest and serves as a critical source of irrigation for one of Europe’s most productive agricultural regions.
The Po River Basin Authority has warned that the drought emergency is worsening, with persistent high temperatures rapidly depleting remaining water reserves, including those stored in the large pre-Alpine lakes. Authorities raised the drought alert in the Po Valley to a high level in late July as forecasts offered little prospect of sustained relief.
Farmers are among those facing the greatest pressure. Reduced river flows and diminishing reservoirs are making irrigation increasingly difficult at a crucial stage of the growing season, threatening crops and raising concerns about the economic impact on northern Italy’s agricultural sector.
The crisis is part of a wider drought affecting Europe this summer. Extreme heat and prolonged rainfall shortages have pushed rivers and reservoirs across the continent toward critically low levels, disrupting agriculture, inland shipping and energy production.
Although thunderstorms could provide temporary relief in parts of northern Italy, forecasters expect hot and dry conditions to remain a concern through mid-August. Without sustained rainfall, officials warn that pressure on the Po basin’s remaining water reserves is likely to continue.
