Extreme Storms, Wildfires Hit Italy, Balkans, Austria Causing Injuries, Damage

Central and Southern Europe, particularly Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria, experienced a severe wave of extreme weather in early July 2025, including hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, large hail, and localized tornadoes that caused widespread damage, power outages, and injuries. In Croatia, a confirmed tornado near Velika Gorica and a powerful hailstorm in Split caused significant structural damage, including to a soccer stadium and port vessels, while hundreds of fires raged in Serbia following a prolonged heatwave and drought. The Balkan region overall has been grappling with record heatwaves exceeding 40°C, severe droughts impacting hydropower and agriculture, and consequent wildfires, particularly in Serbia, where emergency measures have been declared in southern municipalities. Cooler weather with rain and thunderstorms is expected to follow the storms, offering some relief to the region. Despite the cooling trend, water restrictions and agricultural challenges persist due to ongoing drought conditions. Reports from those at sea during the storm in Croatia described the experience as terrifying but manageable, highlighting the suddenness and intensity of the extreme weather.