Severe thunderstorms bring 100 km/h winds and hail to Styria, Austria

A strong thunderstorm front moved across Styria on Wednesday, prompting an orange weather warning for most of the region. Meteorologists reported local gusts of 80‑100 km/h, intense hail, and heavy rain that caused brief flooding, broken branches and the risk of damage to loose objects. Drivers were advised to watch for sudden wind gusts and reduced visibility, and residents were urged to secure items on balconies and avoid outdoor activities during the storm.

Experts explained that the storms lingered over the same areas because warming temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and uplift, leading to more energetic and persistent storm cells. Observations in the Mürztal and nearby Kapfenberg showed repeated hail and rain over the same locations, a pattern linked to climate‑related changes in storm dynamics. The severe weather also marked the end of an unusually hot June in Austria, with temperatures expected to drop to 22‑28 °C in the coming days.