The Italian Peninsula and its surrounding seas are currently experiencing a diverse range of weather conditions. As of midday on November 18, 2025, the synoptic situation reveals a complex interplay of atmospheric forces.
Starting with cloud coverage, the skies over northern Italy and parts of central Italy are predominantly overcast, with cloud fractions reaching 100% in some areas. This blanket of clouds extends over the Alps and into the Po Valley, casting a shadow over much of the northern landscape. In contrast, southern and coastal regions, particularly around the southern Tyrrhenian Sea and parts of Sicily, are enjoying clearer skies, with cloud cover significantly reduced, providing bright, sunny conditions.
Surface temperature readings show a stark contrast between the northern and southern parts of the peninsula. In the north, temperatures have dipped below freezing in the high-altitude regions of the Alps, while the south, particularly Sicily, is basking in warmth with temperatures soaring into the mid-20s Celsius, a pleasant reminder of the lingering autumn warmth.
The pressure systems are relatively stable, with a slight low-pressure system influencing the southern regions, contributing to some cloudiness and isolated showers along the southern coastlines and parts of the Adriatic Sea. These showers are moderate, with occasional heavier bursts, but they are not widespread.
At the upper levels, the 500 hPa geopotential heights indicate a trough extending across central Italy, which is contributing to the unsettled weather in the region. This trough is fostering cooler temperatures aloft, which contrasts sharply with the warmer air masses over the southern Mediterranean.
Wind patterns are relatively calm across much of the peninsula. Still, the southern regions are experiencing brisker winds, particularly over the Ionian Sea, where wind speeds can reach up to 40 knots. These winds are contributing to choppy sea conditions, especially around the Strait of Messina.
Finally, humidity levels at 700 hPa are highly variable, with some areas in the north experiencing drier conditions, while the south and parts of the central regions maintain higher humidity, supporting some of the observed cloud development.
Overall, the Italian Peninsula is experiencing a mix of autumnal weather, with a clear divide between the cooler, cloudier north and the warmer, sunnier south, underpinned by a steady atmospheric pressure system and variable winds.
