Europe's Heatwave Unleashes Golf Ball Hailstorms

Europe is experiencing severe weather following an intense heatwave, with thunderstorms unleashing golf ball-sized hail in parts of France. These storms, typical after extreme heat, have brought not only hail but also heavy rain, strong winds, and localized flooding to France, Germany, and Poland. Residents in affected French villages reported hailstones measuring up to 7cm, causing significant damage to vehicles and buildings.

In Poland, cities like Wrocław experienced flooding, with fallen trees disrupting tram services and advisories for residents to stay indoors. Forecasts indicated further rainfall, posing risks of continued disruption. Across Asia, Bangladesh is facing a deadly monsoon season. Heavy rainfall and associated flooding have resulted in at least 53 fatalities.

The capital, Dhaka, and surrounding areas have endured over a week of continuous rain, leading to severe flood and landslide warnings. The Cox's Bazar refugee settlement was particularly hard-hit, with thousands evacuated and over a million people affected by widespread flooding. Record-breaking rainfall in the Chattogram district exacerbated the crisis, leading to travel chaos and power outages.