Venice canals almost dry amid low tides and lack of rain

Exceptionally low tides and a lack of rain in Venice has left some of the city's famous canals almost dry. Boats and traditional gondolas, which are used for transportation inside the city, could be seen almost beached in some of the canals. The problems in Venice are being blamed on a combination of factors – the lack of rain, a high pressure system, a full moon and sea currents. Latest weather forecasts do however signal the arrival of much-needed precipitation and snow in the Alps in coming days, though the country still faces a severe drought this year