Severe hailstorm injures several in Split, Croatia amid wildfires in Serbia
- A severe hailstorm struck Split, Croatia, injuring at least three people and causing considerable damage.
- Hundreds of wildfires were reported in Serbia, affecting numerous municipalities amid a severe drought.
- These weather events highlight climate change's role in creating extreme weather conditions, necessitating urgent attention.
On July 7, 2025, a powerful hailstorm struck the city of Split in Croatia, causing significant damage and injuries. The storm developed after a prolonged period of extreme heat that had gripped much of the Balkan region. Split, known for its Adriatic port, experienced high winds along with severe hail, which damaged roofs and infrastructure, including the local soccer stadium. Emergency services reported injuries to at least three individuals as the storm caused widespread material damage across the city. Photographs from the scene depicted flooded streets and uprooted trees. In addition to the hailstorm in Croatia, neighboring Serbia faced a dire situation due to hundreds of ongoing wildfires fueled by severe drought conditions. Firefighters battled over 600 active fires on the very day of the storm in Split. These wildfires have posed grave threats to both human life and property as they raged through several municipalities, prompting emergency declarations in southern Serbia. The extreme summer heat had already resulted in water supply restrictions and endangered crops across the country, heightening public safety concerns. Meteorologists indicated that the hailstorms typically follow extended periods of extreme heat, signifying a shift in weather patterns as cooler temperatures are expected to return, marking a relief from the oppressive heat. The storms serve as a reminder of the changing climate, which is contributing to severe weather events across Europe. Croatia’s meteorological service reported that although rainfall can ease drought conditions, the rapid temperature changes can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities in the region. Areas including Slovenia also reported heavy rainfall, which accompanied the storms, alongside residual snow in the Alps due to the changing weather systems. Overall, the situation in both Croatia and Serbia highlights an urgent need for awareness about climate-related impacts, including increased wildfires and unpredictable weather patterns. The storms, while causing immediate damage, may also have longer-term implications for water resources, agricultural productivity, and public safety in the region, further indicating that climate change-related phenomena are becoming more prevalent in Europe.