Heatwaves and physiological discomfort: the strange case of the year 2022 on the ‘Kiss Pass’ of Portofino Natural Park, Italy

Abstract

Due to its cultural and landscape attractions, Portofino Natural Park attracts thousands of hikers per year. In the Park’s trail network, the path between Batterie and San Fruttuoso (known as ‘Passo del Bacio’, which translates to ‘Kiss Pass’) is one of the most popular because it is located on the edge of high rocky cliffs. Due to slope exposure and meteorological features, interventions by the National Corp of Alpine and Speleological Rescue occur annually. The year 2022 was a record year, either for the particularly warm meteorological profile or the exceptional number of accidents recorded.