by Guisela Chiarella
The climate of Friuli Venezia Giulia is evolving in line with global trends, with a noticeable shift in temperature and rainfall patterns. This comes from the 2024 Regional Environmental Report, published by the ARPA, the region’s environmental protection agency, marking its 25th year of monitoring environmental data.
The report highlights two major climate phenomena: the rise in average temperatures and a shift in precipitation patterns. In cities like Udine, average temperatures have increased by 0.7°C between 1991 and 2020 compared to the previous 30 years. Additionally, summer rainfall has decreased, while autumn rains have intensified. Just 15 years ago, June was the region’s second rainiest month, according to weather forecaster Arturo Puccillo. Today, June is firmly part of the summer season.
While there are no conclusive statistical signs of an increase in extreme weather events, the report points to an alarming rise in sea temperatures and salinity, particularly in the Gulf of Trieste. This shift, experts say, is a critical issue that should not be overlooked, as even slight changes in marine ecosystems could have long-term implications.
In Trieste, the typically crisp November air has felt unseasonably warm this year, prompting both residents and visitors to reflect on the changing climate. We spoke to several locals about how they’re experiencing this anomaly.
“I love it,” said Alessandra, a local teacher. “The warmer weather is a pleasant surprise, especially since it’s supposed to be fall. It feels like an extended summer. But at the same time, I can’t help but think about what this means in the long run.”
Others were less enthusiastic. “It feels like we’re skipping seasons,” said Paolo, a retiree. “I remember November being chilly, with fog in the mornings, not this sunshine and warmth.”
Tourist Brian, visiting from the United States, added, “I thought I came to a coastal city with a mild climate, but this feels like a summer day, not fall. I wonder if it’s the same everywhere.”
These personal reflections echo the findings of the environmental report, which suggests that unusual weather patterns are becoming more common, not just in Trieste, but globally.
As sea temperatures continue to rise and weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, the question remains: how will these changes impact life in the region? Experts warn that the consequences of these shifts, while not always immediately visible, may be far-reaching, affecting everything from agriculture to marine ecosystems.
We interviewed Arturo Pucillo from ARPA FVG, regional meteorological service, who told us that whilst this is not a definite sign of climate change, we can easily sustain that it is unusual for November, the second month high in parcipitation, to have such dry and sunny days.
As Trieste enjoys another unseasonably warm day, the true cost of climate change is not yet fully felt—but it’s something locals are beginning to notice more each year.
