Climate

• Climate limits the types of agriculture possible.
• The Mezzogiorno has a Mediterranean Climate.
• During Summer temperatures Ave 29 degrees in summer due to the Azores High Pressure Belt(anticyclone) and the Sirocco – hot dry wind from Africa( carries sand and can destroy crops such as vines).
• High temperature has led to intensive growing of citrus fruits, allowing for early ripening of crops.
• Sicily produces 2/3 of Italy's citrus fruits.
• Summer Drought due to the Azores high pressure belt.
• Little clouds and often only 20-40 mm of  rain falls in Summer months (May, June, July) As a result, there is a  short growing season and this limits the possibilities for growing crops.
• Irrigation schemes are required and these can be expensive.
• 1 million hectares of land are irrigated annually mainly for the growth of olives, vines and citrus fruits.
• Difficulties exist with irrigation schemes e.g. high evaporation rates leading to a reduction in river volume.
• Olives are grown throughout the year as they are drought resistant.
• Olives have thick barks and waxy leaves to keep in moisture. Their deep tap roots can reach water deep underground.
• In winter there is more rain in the winter as  depressions bring rain.
• There is more rain in the west than east due to the presence of the Apennine mountains. This is known as relief rain
• Temperatures are milder in winter ave. 11 degrees.
• Upland areas are cooler than lowland areas. As a result most agriculture happens in winter.