Smog to subside with rain at new year

(ANSA) - Rome, December 30 - Italy's current smog emergency is expected to subside with the arrival of rain and wind after the start of the new year, especially in the country's central and southern areas, said meteorologist Edoardo Ferrara.
    In the northern Po Valley and the Lombardy region, the situation is also expected to improve slightly, but still remain negative.
    Stagnant pollution has lingered long enough that by now in order to fully "clean" the air, a strong storm front is needed, which Ferrara said won't arrive right away.
    Ferrara said eastern Europe can expect an intense cold wave at the start of the new year, which won't directly affect Italy but will bring temperatures back in line with seasonal averages after a month of above-average temperatures.