January 12 was also the warmest winter day this season in northern Italy, with temperatures of 22 C (72 F) reported in Aosta and 17 C (63 F) in Bolzano, according to Milan meteorologist Mario Giuliacci, quoted by the Ansa news agency.

He said that temperatures in the region have been 3.0 to 5.0 degrees above average since October.

A lack of snow in Italy forced a six-week postponement of the freestyle world skiiing championships at Madonna di Campiglio from January 22-27 to March 5-11.

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