Milan, 8 July (LaPresse) – Over the last three days, from Saturday 5 July to Monday 7 July, approximately 40,000 lightning strikes were recorded in Lombardy, 15,000 of which were between clouds and the ground. The most “electric” day was Sunday, with almost 20,000 lightning strikes recorded. According to Arpa Lombardia, rainfall was heavy but not exceptional when compared to other storms in recent years during the summer season. In many areas, the average rainfall for July has already been reached and exceeded. Over 100 mm accumulated in 72 hours in various areas of the provinces of Monza and Brianza, Como, Lecco and Bergamo, with peaks of up to 150-160 mm in Merate (LC). Between 50 and 70 mm of rain fell on Milan, more than half of the average rainfall for July.
“With the passage of the storm system, which ends today with the last local thunderstorms, a more stable phase will begin tomorrow, characterised by mainly sunny weather and dry air”. According to experts at the Arpa Lombardia Hydro-Meteorological and Climate Centre, these are the forecasts for the region for the coming days. "Temperatures, already significantly lower than in recent days, will be in line with or slightly below the 1991-2020 climate average. In the plains, maximum temperatures will not exceed 27-30 °C, making for a much more pleasant climate. New rainfall is possible between Saturday 12 July and Sunday 13 July, before a probable new rise in temperatures. The intense disturbance that hit Lombardy over the weekend, marking the end of the prolonged period of intense heat that characterised the last days of June and the beginning of July, was caused by the arrival of cooler and more unstable air masses from the Atlantic, which triggered a series of intense and widespread thunderstorms throughout the region. A light snowfall blanketed the Alpine peaks up to 2,500 metres on Monday evening, also affecting the Stelvio Pass. The storms were often accompanied by strong gusts of wind, with maximum speeds generally between 60 and 80 km/h, but with peaks of up to 90 km/h in the Bergamo area.
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