• Saharan dust cloud engulfs central Europe, impacts air quality in Italy, Slovenia and Croatia

    A large Saharan dust cloud engulfed parts of central Europe, most notably Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, on Friday, June 21, 2024, significantly affecting air quality in the region. The intensity and relatively high number of Saharan dust intrusions in recent months have raised questions about the possibility that these events are related to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns.

  • Earthquake swarm hits Campi Flegrei caldera, Italy

    A new seismic swarm started at Campi Flegrei area, Italy at 17:51 UTC on May 20, 2024. Local Earthquake monitoring network has detected around 150 quakes within the next couple of hours, with the strongest being M4.4 — now the strongest quake to hit the caldera region since the beginning of the current bradyseismic crisis in 2005. Preventive evacuations have thus far affected 36 families.

  • Widespread flooding and landslides hit Italy, deadly avalanche in Alto Adige

    On February 28, 2024, parts of central and northern Italy were hit by heavy rains, causing widespread flooding and landslides. In Alto Adige, an avalanche in Racines di Dentro resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries. The severe weather led to the closure of roads, rail lines, and schools in affected regions, with evacuations ordered due to rising river levels and landslide risks.

  • The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe

    The World Meteorological Organization confirmed a temperature of 48.8 °C (119.8 °F) in Syracuse, Sicily, on August 11, 2021, as the highest ever recorded in Europe, surpassing the previous record set in 1977.

  • Powerful paroxysmal eruption at Etna volcano, Italy

    Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, once again showcased its might with a striking paroxysmal eruption on the evening of December 1, 2023. The eruption was characterized by spectacular lava fountains and intense volcanic activity, visible from great distances and capturing widespread attention.