Weather events in Europe: Snow in Greece, fires in Spain and France

Europe has faced contrasting extreme weather events in the middle of summer. While snow and heavy rainfall were seen in Greece in the final days of July, heatwaves, drought, and wind fueled forest fires in France and Spain, threatening vast areas.

In Greece, following a sudden change in the atmosphere, snow fell on Mount Olympus, the country's highest point. In the capital, Athens, power lines and scaffolding were damaged due to heavy rainfall, and suburban train services were temporarily suspended.

It was reported that approximately 1,000 calls were made to emergency services across the country following the heavy rainfall. This situation, occurring in the summer months, indicated that severe weather transitions are increasing in impact in the region within a short period.

In Southwestern Europe, a heatwave intensified forest fires. It was reported that more than 300,000 people were evacuated due to the flames in France and Spain. It was stated that drought and strong winds made firefighting efforts difficult.

In France, it was reported that a phenomenon known as a "fire cloud," which can cause forest fires to grow suddenly and spread unpredictably, was observed for the first time. Authorities warn that the risk of fire may increase further as temperatures rise.

In Spain, the government declared a national state of emergency following the large fires that began last week in Madrid and the surrounding Avila region. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid, described the disaster as the "largest fire in the region's history."

Scientists view the occurrence of snow, floods, heatwaves, and major fires in different parts of Europe during the same period as a strong sign that variability in the climate system is increasing.