A deep low-pressure system moving through the Mediterranean is expected to bring severe weather to large parts of southern Europe early this week, while eastern regions of the continent brace for an unusually intense cold spell. The system, named Storm Harry by Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet, is forecast to reach northeastern Spain on Monday afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall to Catalonia, the Valencian Community and southern Aragon before spreading eastwards across the Balearic Islands, southern France and parts of Italy.
Orange weather warnings have been issued for several affected regions on Monday, with rainfall totals of up to 70mm expected within 24 hours. Conditions are forecast to deteriorate further on Tuesday, particularly in southern Italy, where Sicily and Calabria will be placed under red alerts as rainfall exceeds 100mm in a single day. The storm is also expected to generate strong easterly winds, with gusts reaching up to 60mph in parts of Sicily, Calabria and eastern Corsica, raising the risk of flooding, coastal damage and transport disruption.
In the central Mediterranean, Malta is expected to experience severe marine conditions, with strong winds forecast to generate waves of up to 11 metres. Authorities have warned that exposed eastern and south-eastern coastal areas could face significant damage. The warning comes only days after the island was hit by damaging hailstorms, including hailstones several centimetres wide reported in inland areas such as Rabat.
At the same time, eastern Europe is facing a sharp and potentially dangerous drop in temperatures. Early in the week, much of the region is expected to be 5–7°C colder than seasonal norms, before a more severe freeze sets in later. Forecasts indicate that parts of Poland, Ukraine and the Baltic states could see temperatures fall to between -15°C and -18°C, around 10°C below average, increasing pressure on energy systems and raising concerns over public safety.
Meteorological agencies across Europe are urging caution as the contrasting extremes of flooding rain, high winds and severe cold affect wide areas of the continent over the coming days.
Italy Faces Extreme Weather as Civil Protection Activates Emergency Plans
Italian authorities have activated emergency response structures across Sicily and Sardinia as severe weather conditions prompted red alerts for hydrogeological risk, with heavy rain, violent storms and gale-force winds expected to affect large parts of the south and the islands.
In Sicily, the regional government has mobilized all territorial structures ahead of the most intense weather expected in the coming hours. A pre-alert notice was issued by the regional Civil Protection agency to prefectures and all relevant bodies, urging mayors — acting as local authorities — to implement measures outlined in municipal emergency plans. Leave and permits for Civil Protection personnel have been suspended, while volunteer organizations have been activated to support territorial units in assistance operations for the population.
“The Region moved immediately,” Sicilian President Renato Schifani said, stressing that institutional coordination aims to minimize damage and disruption. He said the situation would be monitored continuously, with the head of regional Civil Protection in constant contact with national authorities, prefectures and local mayors. Civil Protection bulletins are expected to continue providing regular updates on alert levels and operational phases across different areas of Sicily.
Schools Closed, Health Services Suspended in Sardinia
In central Sardinia, schools were closed in several municipalities and specialized health services suspended due to the weather alert in effect for Monday and Tuesday. During the night, the Nuoro health authority announced the suspension of all specialist appointments in the socio-health districts of Nuoro, Macomer, Siniscola and Sorgono, with visits scheduled for Jan. 19 and 20 to be rescheduled by district directors.
In the province of Oristano, mayors of the Barigadu municipal union ordered school closures for Monday in the towns of Ardauli, Bidonì, Busachi, Fordongianus, Neoneli, Nughedu Santa Vittoria, Samugheo, Sorradile and Ula Tirso.
The Civil Protection agency urged maximum caution, advising residents in red-alert areas to avoid basements, stay away from coastlines and keep clear of flood-prone roads. In addition to red alerts in Sardinia and Sicily, orange alerts are in effect across much of Calabria and eastern Sicily. Authorities warned of torrential rain, strong thunderstorms and storm-force winds, with possible coastal flooding along the Ionian Sea.
In Catania and Reggio Calabria, mayoral orders limiting non-essential travel are already in force. Municipal administrations in affected areas have also ordered the precautionary closure of schools, parks and cemeteries for the day as Italy faces what officials described as a period of extreme meteorological risk.
Via ANSA
