The sea is rough today.
eel MA-reh eh MOS-soh OH-jee.
When observing rough sea conditions — a fact to share, a reason to warn children, or a reason not to swim. A common statement at Italian beaches when conditions are less than ideal.
Il mare è mosso means the sea is rough (literally 'moved'). Mosso is the adjective for rough or choppy seas. The opposite is il mare è calmo (the sea is calm) or piatto (flat). Italians are very attentive to sea state.
È pericoloso fare il bagno con il mare mosso?
Is it dangerous to swim in a rough sea?
Asking about the safety risk.
Le onde sono alte quanto?
How high are the waves?
Asking for a specific wave height assessment.
Domani il mare si calma?
Will the sea calm down tomorrow?
Asking about forecast conditions.
The scirocco (sirocco) is a hot, dusty wind that blows from North Africa across the Mediterranean, particularly affecting Sicily, Sardinia, and southern Italy. It carries Saharan dust that can turn the sky orange and makes the sea rough. Italians check wind direction as naturally as they check the temperature.