Rowers on the River Po in Turin are navigating vast blooms of algae, driven by a combination of high temperatures in northwest Italy and agricultural runoff.
The conditions have created an ideal environment for rampant plant growth, disrupting local waterways and raising concerns about water quality and ecological health.
The situation underscores the broader impact of extreme weather on Italy's infrastructure and environment.
Recent data indicates that the frequency of such events has more than doubled since 2019, highlighting the accelerating pace of the climate crisis in the region.
The surge in severe weather includes not only heatwaves but also other disruptive phenomena that strain local resources.
Forecasters warn that the extreme conditions are expected to persist, with maximum temperatures reaching between 39°C and 41°C across many areas.