Weather in Northern Italy starting next week isn't looking good :(

A week out and anything can change

Galen Rowell: "When I’m doing outdoor photography I look at the newspaper and if it says clear, sunny, no winds, no problems with weather conditions, I know it’s a horrible days to take pictures. But if it says travelers advisory, blowing storms, some snow on the road, everything bad, then I’ll got out and figure that when that storm ends there’s gonna be some fantastic situations and beautiful light, because it’s at the end of storms when you have that transition, the edges of things in nature are the most beautiful”

Sounds like the weather forecast when I was in that area 2 years ago at the time when the cows come home from their summer pastures. Yes, it rained and there were thunderstorms But there were gloriously sunny intervals in between it all. Wouldn't have missed it for anything. It's just a chance you have to take.

I am in Selva Val Gardena at this very moment. Over the last six days we have had 3 thunderstorms. All were at night. Last nights was furious. I enjoyed watching it. Don't change plans because of weather forecasts. They are quite unreliable. Just enjoy one of the most wonderful places on earth.

I can tell you that we are in the midst of a mini heat wave right now in the Veneto, it's been extremely hot and tremendously humid for a while now so it's probably only a matter of time before we get some thunderstorms. We need some relief!

Thanks, all. I'm trying not to worry, but it's beginning to look like deja-vu with what happened two years ago when we were supposed to go to the Dolomites and a huge rain system was parked over Northern Italy for a week, with the Dolomites nowhere to be seen.

We're bringing our kids this time, and my daughter (who is also a photographer) is so excited to see the Dolomites, that we will be so disappointed if we can't see them. Afternoon thunderstorms are no problem - we can plan around them and get some amazing photo ops too, but all day rain and fog - ugh.

Any advice for us if in fact we do get all that rain for the whole time we're there? I've been spending so much time researching what to do in good weather - all the hikes, drives, etc., but didn't look into what to do if it rains, since the weather has been looking so good. How are the roads to drive on, if we get that weather system?

We arrive Thursday morning, so keep your fingers crossed - I know I am!

Thanks!
Theresa

It will not rain the whole time. It seldom rains all day. If it rains in the AM, the afternoon is usually beautiful. If it is nice in teh AM, get out early because clouds may move in. Enjoy the evening thunderstorms as they are terrific.

I think your plans for outdoor activities will probably work out. If you have a hopeless day or two you can get to Bolzano (pretty historic district, plus multiple museums, including the one housing the Iceman). I think Verona is also within range. I haven't been to the latter and am unclear on how many indoor attractions are available.

That's what I've heard as well, Laurel, but it proved us wrong when we were there two years ago - This is feeling like deja-vu, looking at the local weather report.

Has anyone been to Brixen? How is that? How about Cortina?

Brixen/Bressanone is a much smaller city than Bolzano. It, too, has a lovely historic district. It also has bus access to some places up in the Dolomites, which might be handy, depending on where you're staying.

For the purpose of day-tripping, I think Brixen has a couple of disadvantages when compared to Bolzano:

• I don't believe it has any significant museums.

• You have a pretty decent walk to get from the train station to the old town. I think the bus station is a little closer.

If you're still looking at options, a smaller town on the same rail line, Chiusu/Klausen, might suit you, though it's another place where you'd probably just be wandering around, appreciating the historic architecture. It's probably good for 1-1/2 hours or so, plus any meal you might eat there. Unless there's a castle to climb up to, or something like that. Which there might very well be.

There are some other places of interest on or just off that rail line. Probably the tourist office where you're staying will have some suggestions if you need them. I really think Bolzano would occupy you for about a full day, even if your outdoor wandering was limited by bad weather.

All the valley towns and cities can be just as hot as places from which you cannot see the Dolomites. I think it got up to 90F when I was in the area.

For several centuries the Bressanone bishop was also the ruler of Tyrol, so the archbishop palace in Bressanone is fairly richly decorated and a possible museum visit. Also the abbey at Novacella, just north of Bressanone, is interesting to visit and the monks' wine shop is top quality.

We found the Diocean Museum in Brixen/Bressanone very interesting.

paul