The Pontelagoscuro gauge near Ferrara has plunged more than six meters below its zero mark, the lowest early-July reading in over a decade.¹ Forecast models show no meaningful rain before late July, so the Po carries a Disruption tag and cruisers should expect bussing or outright itinerary swaps until levels rebound.²
Current Conditions
The official AIPO daily bulletin lists -605 cm (-6.05 m) at Pontelagoscuro [normal July navigation band -2.00 m to 0.50 m ], leaving most Cruise hulls aground, so navigation risk is Disruption.¹
Seven-Day Outlook
| Date | Forecast Level (m, Pontelagoscuro) | Navigation Risk | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 7 Jul | -6.05 | Disruption | Falling |
| Tue 8 Jul | -6.10 | Disruption | Falling |
| Wed 9 Jul | -6.15 | Disruption | Falling |
| Thu 10 Jul | -6.20 | Disruption | Falling |
| Fri 11 Jul | -6.25 | Disruption | Falling |
| Sat 12 Jul | -6.27 | Disruption | Falling |
| Sun 13 Jul | -6.30 | Disruption | Falling |
Values are JRC EFAS 15-day ensemble medians converted to the Pontelagoscuro zero datum.² Every member keeps the gauge below -5.8 m all week, with no upstream rainfall in the runs.
Three-Week Risk Forecast
| Period | Likelihood of Disruption | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Disruption | High |
| Days 8-14 | Disruption | Medium |
| Days 15-21 | Caution | Low |
ANBI's July 4 hydrologic bulletin reports Po discharge slipping under 600 m³/s at Pontelagoscuro, triggering salt-water intrusion in the delta and irrigation cut-offs.³ With a persistent subtropical ridge locking storm tracks north of the Alps, models hold the river in extreme low flow until a possible frontal break-down after July 25. Carry Cancel-For-Any-Reason coverage until gauges recover.
Cruise-Line Responses
Spokesperson for CroisiEurope says Venice-Po programs will remain lagoon-based this week; any attempt to reach Chioggia or Polesella by river requires a last-minute depth check and may be replaced by motor-coach touring under the firm's force-majeure clause.⁴ Spokesperson for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises advises guests on "Milan, Venice & Gems of Northern Italy" departures that low-water statements will post on the Port Locations page if segments between Venice and Polesella move to road transport.⁵
Traveler Advice
Fly into Venice at least one day early. If the embarkation pier shifts from San Basilio to Fusina or Chioggia, early arrival gives you time to reach the alternate dock without stress.
Pack breathable clothing and a refillable bottle. Afternoon readings above 95 °F on the Po plain dehydrate travelers quickly while touring Mantua, Ferrara, or Verona by coach.
Keep medications, valuables, and daily essentials in a carry-on daypack. Checked luggage may stay aboard the ship when guests disembark for bus transfers around dry river sections.
Methodology
Gauge status comes from the AIPO "Bollettino Giornaliero dei Fondali e degli Idrometri," and forecasts use JRC EFAS 15-day ensemble hydrographs bias-corrected for Pontelagoscuro.¹ ²
Disclaimer
Forecasts beyond ten days are probabilistic and may change without notice. This information does not constitute financial or insurance advice.
Sources
- AIPO, Bollettino Giornaliero dei Fondali e degli Idrometri del Po, 04 Jul 2025
- JRC EFAS near-real-time hydrographs dataset
- ANBI news release, "Distretto Fiume Po: giugno rovente con scarse precipitazioni," 04 Jul 2025
- CroisiEurope, General Terms and Conditions - force-majeure clause
- Uniworld, Travel Information - low/high water updates
FAQ
- Will my ship still sail if the Po is at Disruption? Lines keep the Hotel vessel in Venice, then bus guests inland for day Tours; true river cruising resumes only after depths rise.⁴
- At what level do cruises cancel entirely? Operators generally cancel or fully coach itineraries when Pontelagoscuro stays below -5.5 m for a week.¹
- Could sudden storms raise levels enough to save my cruise? A single thunderstorm rarely lifts the long, flat Po more than a few centimeters, so navigation recovery takes sustained rainfall over many tributaries.²