The ferocity of the harsh weather took full force in Greece which saw over 5000 lightning strikes and 54 fires break out on Monday local time.
Two of the fires that broke out have been linked to the lightning, which has been determined as the likely cause.
The first of these fires broke out at the Vedouritsa area in Megalopolis, where a total of 37 firefighters, two forest fire unites, ten fire engines, two airplanes and one helicopter were included to battle the blaze.
The second was at Kerassochori in the Filiata municipality in Thesprotia, with 22 firefighters, one forest fire unit, five fire engines, two airplanes and one helicopter equipped to put it out.
According to the Fire Department, neither fire is threatening residential areas.
One large wildfire that broke out midday on Monday at a forest area in Amygdalo of the Tyrnavos municipality in Larissa was reportedly still burning as of the evening.
A total of 25 firefighters with 8 fire engines and a forest fire team is trying to put it out, with help by air with 4 airplanes and 2 helicopters. Local government has provided water trucks and earth machinery as well.
Of the overall 54 fires that broke out between 6pm Sunday and 6pm Monday (local time), 40 were dealt with immediately at their initial stage while the other 14 are ongoing.
Local investigative offices and Fire Department arson units are investigating the causes of the fire.
Some of the fires have been linked to the huge number of lightning strikes that were reported across Greece by Monday evening, according to the Meteo weather service.
Data from the Meteosat-12 satellite showed 5,208 strikes over land and 96 at sea.
Storms brought heavy rainfall to parts of Central Greece, Eastern Macedonia and Thessaly.
Authorities said lightning likely sparked the two fires in Megalopolis and Thesprotia.
