In the North, although the official figures on the surfaces planted will be released at the end of July, indications received are that the surfaces are about 5% more than last year and this this could reduce losses due to flooded areas and lower yields of early crops. At this stage the forecast for northern Italy remains similar to last year 2.9 million tonnes. The harvest is starting this week with specialities like datterini and cherry tomatoes but most factories will start next week with significant quantities from the end of the month. The current heatwave is quite heavy with temperatures of 37-39°C remaining high at night which means a risk of flower abortion for the middle and late crop. The forecast is for the weather to remain hot for the next few days with some thunderstorms forecasted in the weekend. It seems that the summer is not very stable in terms of weather.

In the South, the satellite survey established that a total of 29,600 hectares were planted which would mean a volume of 2.7 million tonnes with historical yields. The situation however is not so good.  The late planting and rain damage in Caserta in May mean there will be a drop in quantities during the second and third part of August and lots of tomatoes at the end of August and early September. It will be important to have a good weather until the beginning or even the middle of October. The current heatwave with temperatures of 43-44 °C in Puglia and 42°C in Lazio and Caserta yesterday, although luckily so far with cooler temperatures at night, could cause some flower abortions and reduced yields. Factories are starting to process cherry tomatoes this week and some with round tomatoes next week.

The total forecast for Italy remains 5.6 million tonnes.