Severe thunderstorms hit Balkans and east Asia as France swelters

Severe thunderstorms swept across the Balkans last week, bringing widespread destruction to parts of the region. Unstable hot air lingering over the Adriatic met a cold front that plunged south‑eastward: the front began its journey on 10 June in Slovenia, where the Slovenian Environment Agency recorded 65mph gusts at Ljubljana airport and 23mm of rain in Kranj.

Hail the size of golf balls fell as the front moved into Croatia; Komenda municipality was among the worst hit, with the local fire department reporting damage to more than 100 buildings and some homes losing their roofs. In the early hours of 11 June the storm edged into Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina before reaching Greece on 12 June.

On the opposite side of Eurasia, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a black rainstorm warning on Thursday. When a black warning is issued, outdoor workers are expected to take shelter until it is safe and schools are closed.

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