This reporting period covers the main growing season of winter wheat, which was sown between October and December. The total rainfall in this period was below the 15YA (RAIN -13%), the temperature was above the 15YA (TEMP +2.3°C). CALF at the national level was 98%, close to the average (+1%). Except for a few areas in the north and south parts of the country (Sicilia, Piemonte, Veneto, and Basilicata), the VCIx was above 0.80 (green and blue). The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that the NDVI values of Sicilia, Piemonte, Veneto, and Basilicata were below the average levels, corresponding to the VCIx values. The overall NDVI value is close to the average level.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, four sub-national zones can be

distinguished for Italy. These four regions are East Coast (108), Po Valley (105), Islands (107), and Western

Italy (106).

East coast (mainly in Puglia, Marche, and Abruzzi) experienced below-average rainfall (RAIN -42%). Overall, the precipitation was below the 15YA. The extremely low precipitation in January had a negative impact on the growth of winter wheat, further resulting in a low NDVI value in January. The VCIx was 0.85 and CPI was 0.95. In conclusion, due to the influence of drought, the crop growth in this region was below the average level.

Although the precipitation in the Po Valley (mainly in Piemonte, Lombardia and Veneto) region was 16% higher than the average level, the growth of winter wheat was still affected due to the drought conditions in January and February. The drops in NDVI can most likely be attributed to cloud pollution issue, obscuring the ground. Adequate precipitation in March and April provided sufficient water for the growth of winter wheat, leading to an improvement in vegetation growth. VCIx reached 0.91 and CPI was 1.07. This indicates that the crop growth in this area is close to the average level.

The Islands recorded a below-average precipitation (RAIN -48%) and RADPAR was slightly above average (+7%). The drought in January, February, and April resulted in an early senescense of wheat, reflected in the low NDVI values. The CPI and VCIx values were also low. This indicates that due to the impact of drought, the crop growth conditions in this area were poor.

In Western Italy, RAIN (-29%) was below, while RADPAR (+4%) was above average. The lower precipitation in January affected the growth of winter wheat, reflected in the lower NDVI values in January. The heavy rain in March alleviated the drought in this area. Therefore, the maximum VCI was 0.96 and CPI was 1.09. Overall, the crop growth conditions were close to the average level.

Figure 3.1 Italy’s crop condition, January - April 2024

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b)  Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Italy). 

           (c) Maximum VCI

(d)Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles. 

(e) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (East Italy).

(f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Po Valley).

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Islands).

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (West Italy).

Table3.45 Italy's agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, January - April 2024

Table3.46 Italy's agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, January - April 2024