Sicily and Sardinia, the two largest Italian islands, important centres of agriculture and tourism have suffered from exceptionally low rainfall and very high temperatures over the last 12 months, culminating in extreme drought conditions from May 2024 onwardsÂ
Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and Morocco experienced extreme heat in July 2024, causing at least 23 fatalities, widespread wildfires and bringing public life to a hold.
During the winter half-year of 2023/2024, western Europe experienced a series of damaging storms. These storms led to disruptions and the associated precipitation caused exacerbated flood risks.
In October 2023, County Cork was struck by two days of extreme rainfall from Storm Babet that fell on already saturated soils. Swollen rivers led to severe flooding in Midleton.
Under the influence of a lingering anticyclone, Fennoscandia experienced extremely cold winter temperatures during early January 2024.