Yellow weather alert for thunderstorms in Puglia and Molise.

The National Civil Protection Department has issued a yellow weather alert, the first level of criticality, for tomorrow, Friday, October 30, due to the risk of thunderstorms and hydrogeological issues in two regions: Puglia and Molise. The alert covers much of central-northern Puglia and the coastal areas of Molise, specifically the Tavoliere, Gargano, Lower Fortore, Lower Ofanto, and Central Adriatic Puglia zones.

Forecasts indicate increased instability in the South and Adriatic regions, with widespread rain and thunderstorms expected to intensify throughout the day. The most intense phenomena are anticipated in the Adriatic and Ionian sectors. In contrast, Northern Italy is expected to remain mostly clear, while the Central region will see cloudiness and rain in Marche and Abruzzo, extending to lower Lazio and central-southern Sardinia.

The Italian weather alert system is managed by Civil Protection and is based on specific forecasts for the safety of people and property, distinct from simple weather forecasts. The process begins with the National Meteorological Vigilance Bulletin, prepared daily, which identifies potentially dangerous phenomena. Based on these forecasts, each Region assesses the possible criticalities in its territory, such as floods, landslides, or inundations.

These assessments converge into the National Criticality/Alert Bulletin, which assigns a color code: green (no danger), yellow (ordinary criticality), orange (moderate criticality), and red (high criticality). The yellow alert issued today indicates an ordinary risk situation, requiring attention. It is then up to the Regions to communicate the alert to local civil protection systems and Mayors, who must inform citizens and activate municipal emergency plans. The current event is caused by the retreat of the high-pressure system and the arrival of cold air currents from the Balkans.