A dramatic start to the thunderstorm season: large hailstones in Italy

The thunderstorm season has started quite early this year in Central Europe. On Sunday and Monday, there were some heavy thunderstorms in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and northern Italy.

The thunderstorms were mostly accompanied by heavy rain, gusty winds and small hailstones. In Alzate Brianza, north of Milan, however, large hailstones – roughly the size of golf balls – fell. These can cause damage and injury.

In Austria, the fire brigade had to be called out several times to clear roads of broken branches and fallen trees. In Klagenfurt, several drains overflowed.    

Today, the weather system will move further southwards towards southern and central Italy, bringing heavy showers and thunderstorms. Albania and Bulgaria will also be affected. The risk of severe weather is not particularly high. Nevertheless, there may be the odd surprise.