Weather extremes in Europe: floods hit southern Europe, snow in Tyrol!

Weather extremes in Europe: floods hit southern Europe, snow in Tyrol!

Current extreme weather events are crossing the borders of Europe, while southern Europe is affected by severe flooding. On September 29, 2025, meteorologists report torrential rain in Italy, Greece and Croatia. Up to 200 liters of rain per square meter were already expected in these regions, which led to the highest warning level, red. Authorities strongly advise both locals and tourists not to leave their homes and avoid planned excursions. Particular attention will be paid to the Ionian Islands, including Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, as well as the north of the Peloponnese, where the situation is particularly tense.

In Italy, streets in Calabria and Puglia are flooded, while Croatia has documented an impressive waterspout over the Adriatic. These extreme weather conditions are not just temporary phenomena, but part of a larger pattern that is increasingly dominating weather events in Europe. The turnaround is spectacular in Austria, where the first snowflakes are already visible. In Tyrol, snow has already fallen at altitudes above 2000 meters, and winter is expected to begin with up to 20 cm of fresh snow. The Großglockner and other peaks shine in a white winter coat.

Weather warnings and safety measures

Meteorologists warn of further snowfall in the Alps. The situation in the mountains remains critical as several Alpine passes in Switzerland are closed due to snow-covered roads. Mountaineers need to be particularly careful as snow and ice make the terrain dangerous, reports 5min.at.

These extreme weather events are reminiscent of historical climate phenomena that have shaped Europe for centuries. According to Wikipedia, there have been numerous events in the past that have affected millions of people, including cold spells, storms and floods. However, these current weather events are particularly challenging as they come in the context of global warming, which marks Europe as a climate change hotspot. In 2024, the warmest year since weather records began in Europe was recorded, with a temperature increase of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, as Tagesschau reports.

The increasing number of extreme weather events has caused significant damage in recent years. Floods have affected over 400,000 people in Europe and forecasts indicate an increased risk of flooding in the coming decades. These alarming developments require European cities to develop innovative adaptation strategies. 50 percent of cities are now planning measures to adapt to climate change.

The situation in southern Europe remains tense, while the first signs of winter are becoming visible in the Alps. The coming days will show whether the weather extremes continue to increase or whether the weather situation can stabilize. The meteorologists' observations are being followed closely, particularly in the affected regions.