Naples has a Mediterranean climate with around 900 mm (about 35 inches) of rain a year, concentrated heavily in autumn and winter with a dry summer typical of southern Italy. The city’s dramatic volcanic terrain around Mount Vesuvius and the surrounding hills means that intense autumn rainfall can trigger localized landslides and mudflows on steep slopes above densely populated neighborhoods, a hazard authorities monitor closely each wet season. Short, intense thunderstorms are also common during the seasonal transition periods, capable of flooding streets in the historic center within an hour. Because the terrain amplifies rainfall risk so unevenly, radar tracking of an approaching band is a practical way to judge which parts of the city and surrounding area face the greatest risk. Italy’s national radar network covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map