Paolo Sottocorona, Esteemed La7 Meteorologist, Dies at 77

A Beloved Figure's Passing

Paolo Sottocorona, the renowned meteorologist who became a familiar and trusted face on Italian television, particularly through his long tenure at La7, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 77. The news of his death, which occurred in Rome, was widely reported and confirmed by Enrico Mentana, the director of TG La7, via social media. Sottocorona was celebrated for his distinctive style of presenting weather forecasts, characterized by clarity, rigor, and a reassuring demeanor.

A Career Spanning Military Service and Scientific Communication

Born in Florence on December 17, 1947, Paolo Sottocorona embarked on a diverse and impactful career path. After completing classical studies and four years of engineering, he joined the Italian Air Force Meteorological Service in 1972. He served as an officer at the Guidonia Airport and later at the National Meteorology Center, reaching the rank of Captain before leaving the Air Force in 1993. A testament to his dedication to meteorology, Sottocorona also participated as a meteorologist in the 5th Italian Expedition to Antarctica in 1989.

From Rai to La7: A Television Icon

Sottocorona transitioned to television, where his ability to communicate complex meteorological phenomena simply and effectively quickly made him a popular figure. His television career included collaborations with several prominent Italian broadcasters:

• Rai: He contributed to programs such as 'Unomattina' and 'Geo & Geo'.
• Telemontecarlo (TMC): He authored and presented weather segments for 'Tappeto Volante' and other shows.
• Radio Capital: He also provided weather forecasts for the radio station.

Since 2002, Sottocorona became a staple of La7, where he presented daily weather forecasts and curated the segment 'Tempo al tempo'. His last on-air appearance was just hours before his passing, during La7's 'Omnibus' program, where he read a poem about Gaza.

A Legacy of Calm and Rigor

Paolo Sottocorona was widely appreciated for his calm and rigorous approach to meteorology, consistently avoiding sensationalism and alarmist tones, even in an era often prone to them. His gentle manner and scientific precision earned him the affection and respect of millions of viewers. Beyond his television work, he was also an author, publishing books like 'Una finestra sul cielo' in 1997 and the children's book 'Che cosa sanno le nuvole?' in 2010. He was also an experienced sailing instructor at the Centro Velico Caprera. His passing marks the end of an era for Italian television meteorology, leaving a void for those who valued his intelligent and respectful communication of weather and climate.