Severe floods strike Europe’s north while heatwaves scorch the south

Severe weather conditions have wreaked havoc across northern Italy, France, and Germany, with heavy rainfall, storms, and an unseasonal heatwave causing chaos and destruction in various regions.

In northern Italy, severe storms and heavy rainfall have led to flooding in several areas, including Padua and Vicenza. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue residents from flooded homes, with cars floating in the inundated streets. Milan recorded an unprecedented 130mm of rain in a single day, resulting in flash floods not seen in over 170 years. The governor of the Veneto region described the deluge as a “water bomb,” reflecting the sudden and devastating nature of the rainfall.

Meanwhile, southern Italy is experiencing an unseasonal heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 35°C in Sicily. Sardinia is facing water scarcity and a poor harvest for local wheat farmers due to very dry conditions.

In France, 39 departments are under yellow alert for thunderstorms, with severe storms expected in parts of Île-de-France. Last Sunday, nearly 10,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the country, and more storms are expected this weekend.

In Germany, heavy rainfall has led to flooding and landslides in the state of Saarland, prompting evacuations from homes and retirement facilities. Chancellor Olaf Scholz cancelled a campaign appearance to visit the affected areas, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The German Weather Service has issued warnings for continued heavy rain, with conditions expected to improve gradually. Residents in all affected regions are advised to take precautions and stay safe during this challenging period.