Winter snow deficit was a harbinger of summer 2022 socio-hydrologic drought in the Po Basin, Italy

Snow in mountainous regions is a key water resource. This study investigates the link between snow droughts and socio-hydrologic impacts in the Po basin (Italy) during 2022. Combining snow and climate reanalyses with data on terrestrial water storage, streamflow, and emergency water restrictions, the authors find that a winter high-pressure ridge caused an 88% anomaly in peak snow water equivalent. This, compounded by reduced summer precipitation and increased temperatures, led to the lowest terrestrial water storage on record in summer 2022. Emergency water restrictions were concurrent with the peak snowmelt deficit, highlighting snowmelt's role in driving the socio-hydrologic drought.

Francesco Avanzi, Francesca Munerol, Massimo Milelli, Simone Gabellani, Christian Massari, Manuela Girotto, Edoardo Cremonese, Marta Galvagno, Giulia Bruno, Umberto Morra di Cella, Lauro Rossi, Marco Altamura, Luca Ferraris