Po River Water Levels Outlook, Week of August 11, 2025
Po levels are seasonally low but manageable in key reaches. At 08:00 on August 8, the Pontelagoscuro gauge read -18.5 ft (-5.65 m), with AIPO's daily bulletin also listing shallow local depths near Ferrara that matter for draft. 1 The basin authority's weekly note shows discharge near 27,700 cfs (785 m³/s) at Pontelagoscuro, above the salt-intrusion threshold, so near-term risk is mainly localized shoaling rather than basinwide disruption. 2 Travelers should verify pier notes 3 to 5 days pre-departure and consider a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade if extra flexibility matters. 7
Current Conditions
Primary gauge: Pontelagoscuro (Idrometro di Pontelagoscuro). -18.5 ft (-5.65 m) at 08:00 on August 8 relative to the local zero, based on AIPO's bulletin. 1 Reported channel depths in the same bulletin include roughly 10.2 ft (3.10 m) near Pontelagoscuro main reach, 5.2 ft (1.60 m) at Isola Bianca, and 5.9 ft (1.80 m) at Francolino. Risk level Caution due to these shallow spots. 1
Seven-Day Outlook
Chart unavailable. From August 11 to 17, daily AIPO postings continue to flag localized shallow sections, with recent gauge values between -16.6 ft and -18.5 ft (-5.06 to -5.65 m). 3,1 National and regional outlooks show a stable high-pressure pattern with only isolated convective showers, and no significant precipitation signal for the Po plain. Risk call for the next 7 days: Caution. 4,5
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 7 | Caution | High |
| Days 8 to 14 | Caution | Medium |
| Days 15 to 21 | Caution | Low |
Late-summer low water, irrigation demand, and a mainly settled pattern keep levels sensitive to local shoaling, so brief thunderstorms may bring short bumps without sustained gains. The latest basin update places Pontelagoscuro flow near 27,700 cfs (785 m³/s), above the intrusion threshold, but not high enough to erase shallow spots. If flexibility matters, CFAR policies have time-sensitive purchase windows and reimburse only part of trip cost. 2,7
Traveler Advice
Booked guests should expect mostly normal touring with occasional draft checks where depths tighten, especially near Ferrara piers. Stay alert for pier changes or short coach assists on shallow days; operators manage these locally when needed.
If you are shopping near term, plan days normally but allow a little slack around transfer times. A lightweight daypack and shoes suitable for steeper gangways help when river stages dip.
Looking more than three weeks out, keep expectations steady but practical. If you want maximum flexibility, compare policies early and consider a Cancel For Any Reason upgrade soon after first payment, since eligibility windows are strict and reimbursement is partial. 7
Methodology
We use AIPO's daily "Bollettino dei fondali e degli idrometri," the basin authority's weekly hydrology updates, and national or regional outlooks, converting meters to feet with standard factors; idrometric zeros are local datums. 1,2,4,5
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- AIPO, "Bollettino dei fondali e degli idrometri," 08 Aug 2025, with Pontelagoscuro gauge and local depths
- Autorità di Bacino Distrettuale del Fiume Po, weekly hydrology update, 07 Aug 2025, Pontelagoscuro flow ~785 m³/s
- AIPO, "Bollettino dei fondali e degli idrometri," 05 Aug 2025, recent gauge context
- Italian Civil Protection, national vigilance bulletin, 10-12 Aug 2025, synoptic overview
- Arpae Emilia-Romagna, regional weather forecast and medium-range outlook
- AIPO "Bollettino giornaliero," reference list of shallow points including Mandracchio Pontelagoscuro
- Squaremouth, Cancel For Any Reason eligibility and reimbursement basics