In a surprising turn of events, a violent hailstorm struck the Veneto region in northern Italy, leaving at least 110 people injured. The hailstones, some as large as tennis balls and measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, pelted the streets of Veneto overnight on Wednesday. Emergency services were inundated with over 500 calls for help due to property damage and personal injuries caused by the storm. The damage caused by the hailstorm was extensive, with broken windows and severe damage to trees and plants.

Workers have been tirelessly clearing the debris and removing glass from shattered windows. Tragically, a 53-year-old man lost his life during the storm when his wife accidentally ran over him while he was riding his bicycle. Italy, along with Spain and Greece, has been experiencing extreme weather conditions this year. The Italian capital, Rome, recently hit a record-breaking temperature of 41 degrees Celsius. The country has been sweltering under the unrelenting heat, prompting red alerts for high temperatures in 23 out of the 27 main cities. Hospitals have reported an increase in patient admissions due to the heatwave. Furthermore, the heatwave has rekindled wildfires in southern Greece, leading to new evacuations. Despite initial efforts to control the wildfires, gusts of wind intensified the blaze, causing firefighters to lose control. Approximately 35 kilometers of forests and scrubland have already been destroyed by the fire.

Meanwhile, in other parts of Europe, extreme heat has also been taking its toll. Heat alerts have been issued in Spain, and southern France has broken local temperature records. The Alpine ski resort of Alpe d'Huez reached a record temperature of 29.5 degrees Celsius, while Verdun in the Pyrenees experienced a temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius for the first time.

These heatwaves serve as a stark reminder of the escalating effects of global warming, with the World Meteorological Agency warning that heatwaves are on an upward trend. The combination of hailstorms and scorching heatwaves is a clear indication of the increasingly volatile and unpredictable weather patterns that the world is facing. As the impacts of climate change intensify, it is crucial for individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize sustainable practices and take urgent action to mitigate further damage.