Recent heavy rainfall in southern and western Europe has led to serious socioeconomic impacts, particularly in Greece, where multiple weather events have resulted in fatalities and widespread flooding.
Significant rainfall has been recorded in parts of southern and western Europe from late 2025 into early 2026, leading to devastating socioeconomic consequences. In Greece alone, from early November 2025 to the end of February 2026, there were 18 weather incidents, resulting in five deaths and causing severe flooding, landslides, and the collapse of infrastructure such as roads and homes. Many communities were cut off due to debris and landslides, showcasing the serious aftermath of these weather patterns. The recurrent rains are attributed not merely to chance, but rather to climatic conditions influenced by meteorological factors high in the atmosphere, specifically the positioning and strength of the jet stream. The jet stream, a powerful air current, plays a crucial role in determining weather patterns, and its behavior has led to these persistent and severe rain events, particularly affecting regions like Greece. This ongoing weather scenario raises concerns about climate change and its role in intensifying weather patterns, leading to increasingly frequent and severe rainfall events. As communities are faced with the implications of such weather, it becomes essential to invest in infrastructure resilience and adaptation strategies to better cope with such natural disasters in the future.
