Weather Surprises at Lake Garda for Easter Weekend and Navigation Outlook
First cold, then even snow, mid-morning, in the Brescia area and on the nearby hills; finally, a splendid sunshine. Meanwhile, in Sirmione and Desenzano, some were already venturing out on boat rides, and even more surprisingly, especially northern European tourists (Germans, Dutch, and Austrians) were basking in the sun—not very hot—on Sirmione beaches. This paints the picture of an Easter Eve full, let’s say, of weather surprises.
What will happen today and tomorrow on Lower Garda (and beyond)? Let’s look at the forecasts provided by the Centro di rilevamento ambientale di Punta Staffalo. Today, variable weather with alternating sunshine and cloud cover; tomorrow, Easter Monday, a moderate increase in cloudiness; and Tuesday will be cloudy with a chance of showers. Air temperatures will range between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius.
Forecasts for the lake and navigation conditions
And on the water? The weather bulletin for mariners issued by the Osservatorio Bianchi di Sirmione-Castello, also valid for the next three days, states that this morning will see weak, variable northeast winds, shifting to southwest in the afternoon. The lake will be slightly choppy.
Tomorrow, winds will be weak to variable from North-Northeast, shifting to Southeast in the afternoon; the lake will remain almost calm. Tuesday will see all-day light to moderate winds from the Northeast, with the lake remaining calm or slightly disturbed.
Surveillance and safety situation
Regarding surveillance and safety? The Desenzano Carabinieri motorboat will remain on duty, but traffic conditions on the main roads around Garda will be critical. Police and Carabinieri services on the state roads have been increased, and problems are expected on the internal network.
In Desenzano, Lieutenant Carlaberto Presicci confirms that 4 patrols will be on duty 24 hours a day. The Lungolago Battisti will be closed to traffic today and tomorrow, from 1:30 PM to 7 PM, and the mayor’s order will remain in effect on upcoming Sundays. Police officers will regulate traffic at intersections with flashing lights.
The patrols will be connected via radio to the operational center and other law enforcement agencies. Peak traffic hours are anticipated this morning, due to commuters and the last tourist departures, tomorrow morning during Easter Monday, and again tomorrow evening and Tuesday morning.
Traffic and parking management
In Desenzano, the Carabinieri explain that they will constantly monitor the main entry roads to the town, including the Perla, the mini-ring road to Padenghe, and Sirmione.
It will be a tough day as well for Sirmione, where the urban police command, led by Lieutenant Caromani, has devised a traffic plan expected to yield good results. The large parking lot in Via Bagnolo will be open to allow drivers (weather permitting) to leave their cars and walk to the historic center.
In the opposite direction, traffic will be diverted along the same Via Bagnolo, Via Aldo Moro, then onto the new ring road. Those wishing to stop in Colombare for shopping or to visit a local venue may do so along Colombare street, which has been open in both directions of travel (this has been the case since the day before). The PP2 parking lot will be open once the Monte Baldo area is full, likely already this morning.