A powerful storm has battered the Greek island of Paros, causing widespread flooding, sweeping away cars, and forcing school closures and traffic bans. Emergency crews are working to rescue stranded residents and clear blocked roads, while Greece remains under severe weather warnings.
Tag: extreme weather
A new study warns that Athens could see nearly 90,000 additional heat-related deaths by the end of the century due to rising temperatures. Published in *Nature Medicine*, the research predicts that heat-related fatalities will outnumber cold-related deaths in European cities, especially in the Mediterranean. With climate change intensifying, even optimistic scenarios show significant increases in mortality, underscoring the urgent need for cities to adapt and protect vulnerable populations.
Heavy rainfall on the Greek island of Rhodes over the weekend resulted in flooding and disruptions to the road network.
Greece experienced its hottest summer and winter on record in 2024, with extreme temperatures and significant weather events highlighting the growing impact of climate change. The year saw record-breaking heat of 44.5°C in Voukolies, Chania, and extreme cold of -23.2°C at Mount Parnassos, along with unprecedented rainfall and a surge in impactful weather events. These findings, reported by Meteo.gr and the National Observatory of Athens, emphasize the urgent need for climate action and adaptation measures.
Greece is investing €36 million in seven new meteorological radar networks to improve weather forecasting and preparedness for extreme weather events.
Greece is reeling from the impact of Storm Elena, which brought widespread flooding, strong winds, and heavy rain, causing disruptions across the country. As the storm subsides, meteorologists warn of a new polar weather front arriving from Ukraine this weekend, expected to bring snow, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds. Authorities remain on high alert, urging caution as regions brace for another wave of severe winter conditions.
A state of emergency was declared on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Lemnos on Monday after a deadly storm caused widespread damage. Two men were killed in Lemnos as floods, strong winds, and heavy rain overturned cars, caused power outages, and led to evacuations. Rescue teams, supported by the military, worked to evacuate vulnerable residents. Greece’s climate crisis minister, Vassilis Kikilias, linked the extreme weather to climate change, urging residents to follow evacuation orders for their safety.
Severe Bora weather has claimed a third life in Halkidiki, Greece, as heavy rains and landslides wreaked havoc across the region. A 56-year-old man died after being trapped in his car overnight in Porto Koufo, following a rockfall that forced him off the road. Flooding, road collapses, and power outages have left communities struggling, with emergency crews working tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and clear debris.
The severe weather system “Alexandros” is set to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gale-force winds to Greece, with regions like Thessaly, the Northern Sporades, and Evia at high risk of flooding. Authorities have issued warnings and urged residents to remain alert as disruptions are expected until Saturday evening.
Barcelona authorities have issued a red alert for extreme weather as further torrential rain threatens the area. The recent flooding has claimed at least 217 lives, prompting warnings for residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Search efforts continue at the flooded underground parking lot of the Bonaire shopping centre, where fears linger that many bodies may still be trapped in vehicles. Firefighters report that all cars have been accounted for, but the situation remains critical as rescue operations proceed.
The European Commission has approved €40 million in funding to enhance flood prevention in Athens, focusing on the vulnerable Eschatia stream. This initiative aims to protect homes and businesses from future flooding, improve infrastructure, and boost climate resilience in the city. Along with previous investments, the project will safeguard over 300,000 residents and regenerate local urban areas.
A Greek court has handed suspended prison sentences to a former regional governor and three…
A Greek court has sentenced former regional governor Costas Agorastos and three other officials to a 15-month suspended prison term for their mismanagement during the deadly floods caused by Cyclone Ianos in 2020. The floods, which swept through Thessaly, resulted in three fatalities and significant destruction to cities and agricultural land. While the court acquitted the officials of involuntary manslaughter, victims’ families expressed disappointment, claiming the deaths were the result of systemic failures within the state mechanism.
Greece has unveiled a revised climate plan with ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 82% of electricity generation from solar and wind power by 2030. This plan exceeds previous goals and supports the EU’s effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55%. As the country faces increasing climate impacts, including wildfires and floods, Greece plans to invest €95 billion by 2030 to enhance energy efficiency, expand renewables, and bolster infrastructure against extreme weather.
Greece is warning tourists of severe weather conditions expected from Monday night (September 9), affecting popular destinations including Corfu and Kefalonia. Intense rainfall, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are forecasted, potentially causing flooding. Travelers are advised to adjust their plans, especially for outdoor activities, and to stay updated on weather developments.
A sunken Greek village, Kallio, has resurfaced for the first time in 30 years due to record-breaking heat and severe drought. The village, submerged in the late 1970s to create the Mornos reservoir, has reemerged as water levels dropped by 30 percent. This phenomenon highlights the growing impact of climate change on Greece, which has faced its hottest summer on record and widespread water shortages.
VOLOS, Greece – Greek authorities are working to remove hundreds of thousands of dead fish that have inundated a tourist port in Volos, following last year’s severe flooding. The decaying fish have formed a silvery blanket across the water, emitting a strong odor that has raised concerns among locals. Over 80,000 pounds of fish were collected in just 24 hours, with officials warning of potential environmental risks if the situation isn’t addressed promptly. The flooding, linked to extreme weather events tied to climate change, continues to impact the region’s tourism industry.
Greece is battling severe forest fires intensified by extreme weather. Dr. Kostas Lagouvardos from the National Observatory of Athens notes that rapid warming and marine heatwaves are fueling the blazes. The fires, driven by high temperatures and dry winds, have led to evacuations and increased wildfire response efforts.
The year 2024 is on track to become the hottest on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Despite a slight dip in July temperatures compared to 2023, extreme heatwaves, record ocean temperatures, and widespread weather disasters signal a continuing trend of global warming.
On Monday, Greece’s national observatory announced that the country experienced its warmest July on record,…