Photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a low level of Lake Como in Como, Lombardy region, Italy. Photo:Xinhua

Italians were bracing for yet another heat wave and dry spell on Wednesday, with meteorologists predicting record-high temperatures and experts warning of a crisis in the country's agricultural sector.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius across much of mainland Italy, especially in the northern and southern regions. Last week saw a mild respite from record-high temperatures.

Italy is also suffering from its worst drought in at least 70 years, with practically no precipitation in some parts of the country since early April. The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies said on Wednesday that so far this year rainfall has been half the long-term average.

The harsh conditions are having a major impact on agricultural production, with market research firm Mintec estimating that production of olive oil in Italy could be down 20 percent to 30 percent this year.

Coupled with similar production shortfalls in Spain, this could send global prices for olive oil surging, according to Mintec. Extra virgin olive oil prices in Italy are already nearly 30 percent higher than they were two years ago, it said.

Media reports said prices for high-quality tomatoes and rice could rise more than 50 percent as production in Italy dwindles.

"Agriculture has particularly serious problems, which has a direct impact on food quantity and prices on the markets," Italy's Agriculture Minister Stefano Patuanelli told Parliament on Wednesday.

"The government is accelerating every initiative (and) making resources available," the minister said, adding that surging fuel prices and global logistical issues are exacerbating the problems caused by the hot and dry weather.
 

Photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a low level of Lake Como in Como, Lombardy region, Italy. Photo:Xinhua

 

A man takes photos at Lake Como in Como, Lombardy region, Italy, on July 13, 2022. Photo:Xinhua

 

Photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a low level of Lake Como in Como, Lombardy region, Italy. Photo:Xinhua

 

A man walks a dog at Lake Como in Como, Lombardy region, Italy, on July 13, 2022. Photo:Xinhua