Extreme weather conditions in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria have led to potentially catastrophic flooding events, following a deadly deluge in Spain. The flooding in Greece, which has already resulted in one death and caused significant damage to infrastructure, comes after a series of deadly summer wildfires in the country. Scientists warn that such extreme weather events are likely to become more common with human-caused climate change.
The heavy rainfall in Greece is a result of a weather pattern known as Storm Daniel, which is predicted to bring rainfall totals of at least 20 to 30 inches in some locations by Wednesday. Similar flooding has also been reported in Turkey and Bulgaria. Experts are calling this potential flooding disaster one of the biggest in Europe, surpassing the flooding events that occurred in Western Europe in July 2021.
The extreme weather conditions, including the flooding and heatwave, are linked to a stalled-out weather pattern caused by human-caused climate change. A heat dome over western Europe has contributed to record-breaking temperatures across the continent. Meanwhile, low pressure systems to the west and east of the heat dome have triggered severe flooding in Spain and Greece, respectively. Warmer-than-average water temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have also fueled the intensity of these storms.
The heatwave in Europe has shattered temperature records, with over 200 monthly temperature records broken in France alone. Nighttime temperatures have also reached record-warm lows in several areas. The high temperatures are expected to persist, with predictions of temperatures reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in France and 91 degrees in southern England.
In Greece, forecasters predict staggering rainfall totals, with some areas expected to receive over 30 inches of rain. The volume of rainfall is reminiscent of the floods caused by hurricanes Harvey and Florence in the United States in previous years. Experts warn that if the forecast is accurate, Greece could face a truly catastrophic flood event.
The flooding in Greece comes after a historic wildfire that burned for over two weeks in the northern part of the country. The wildfire, which killed 20 people and burned more than 200,000 acres, was the largest fire on record in the European Union. Climate change is exacerbating the risk of wildfires worldwide, as rising temperatures and intense drought conditions create favorable conditions for fire outbreaks.
The combination of wildfires and heavy rainfall poses additional risks as burned areas are more susceptible to flooding and mudslides due to the lack of vegetation to absorb water. Scientists emphasize the need to address climate change to mitigate the increasing frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events.
The situation in Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria continues to evolve, and authorities are urging residents to take precautionary measures, follow the advice of relevant authorities, and stay informed about the changing weather conditions.