Lago Maggiore water levels reach 50% capacity after recent rains

Recent rainfall in Northern Italy has led to a significant recovery in the water levels of Lago Maggiore. According to the Permanent Observatory on Water Uses, coordinated by the Po River District Basin Authority, the lake has surpassed the hydrometric zero of Sesto Calende, reaching a 50% filling capacity.

While this represents a notable improvement compared to previous weeks of scarcity, experts caution that the drought situation is not yet fully resolved. The long-term water deficit that began in late June continues to impact regional indicators, and the water severity level for the entire Po District remains classified as “high.”

Officials noted that the nature of recent summer storms—often intense but brief—does not always translate into stable water recovery, as dry soil can struggle to absorb moisture effectively. Additionally, while lower temperatures have reduced agricultural water demand, a definitive reversal of the drought trend has not yet been established.