Italy suffered its most severe drought in 70 years in 2022 and prolonged dry winter weather has raised fears that 2023 could be even worse, alarming both the agricultural and industrial sectors that depend on copious water supplies.

As of late February 2026, Italy is experiencing a "hydrological divide" marked by alert drought conditions in the south while the north shows signs of recovery. Satellite data from the Copernicus program reveals that islands like Sicily and Sardinia are struggling with significantly low reservoir levels, particularly at Lake Pozzillo and Lake Omodeo, which are vital for local irrigation and hydropower. In contrast, northeastern Italy is emerging from previous dry spells thanks to more normal winter precipitation. However, the overall "snowpack" in the Southern Alps remains lower than historical averages, which concerns agricultural planners for the upcoming summer. While not a country-wide emergency at this exact moment, the persistent lack of rain in the south has kept "Watch" and "Alert" statuses active for Mediterranean regions, emphasizing Italy's ongoing struggle with climate-driven water scarcity.