======Natural Phenomena in the Wizarding World======
=====Overview=====
In the [[Wizarding world]], natural phenomena such as weather, climate, and celestial events can be indistinguishable from their [[Muggle]] counterparts, or they can be directly created or influenced by powerful [[magic]]. These occurrences often serve as indicators of the prevailing magical atmosphere, acting as omens, defensive mechanisms, or reflections of significant events. Their nature can be broadly categorized into three types: purely natural events that are simply observed by wizards, natural events influenced or exacerbated by [[magic]], and phenomena that are entirely magical in their creation and purpose.
  * **Type:** General Knowledge / Environmental Magic
  * **Classification:** Natural, magically-influenced, or magically-created.
  * **Significance:** Often reflects the state of the magical world, serves as a plot device, or acts as a form of [[Pathetic Fallacy]].
=====Description and Magical Influence=====
The interplay between the natural world and [[magic]] is a constant feature of the wizarding environment. While wizards experience normal seasons and weather, many significant events are accompanied by corresponding, often dramatic, natural displays.
  * **Magically-Influenced Weather:** Powerful [[Dark Magic]], in particular, has a profound and detrimental effect on the environment. The mass presence of [[Dementor]]s creates an unnaturally thick, chilling fog that drains warmth and happiness from its surroundings. Similarly, the return to power of [[Lord Voldemort]] was marked by a bizarre summer of drought, mist, and sudden, destructive storms, causing confusion and distress in the [[Muggle]] world.
  * **Magically-Created Environments:** [[Magic]] can be used to create highly localized and permanent natural phenomena. The ceiling of the [[Great Hall]] at [[Hogwarts]] is a famous example, enchanted to perfectly mirror the sky outside. A more hostile example is the perpetual, raging thunderstorm contained within an antechamber of the [[Lestrange Vault]] at [[Gringotts]], designed as a formidable magical defense.
  * **Omens and Portents:** Unusual natural events are often interpreted by wizards as omens. Following [[Lord Voldemort]]'s first defeat, the magical community's overwhelming sense of relief and celebration manifested as showers of shooting stars in broad daylight and vast flocks of [[Owl|owls]] flying during the day, phenomena that were so widespread they were noticed by [[Muggle]]s.
=====Notable Occurrences in History=====
  - **31 October 1981:** The night of [[Lord Voldemort]]'s first downfall is marked by widespread, unusual phenomena across Britain. [[Vernon Dursley]] notes "swarms of [[Owl|owls]]", "shooting stars all over the place", and strangely dressed people celebrating in the streets.
  - **30 July 1991:** During his first meeting with [[Harry Potter]], [[Rubeus Hagrid]]'s damaged [[Umbrella|pink umbrella]] produces a small, contained downpour inside the [[Hut-on-the-Rock]] when he attempts to magically light a fire.
  - **1993-1994 School Year:** The stationing of [[Dementor]]s at the entrances to [[Hogwarts]] results in a pervasive cold and fog that affects the school grounds and the morale of its students, most notably during a [[Quidditch]] match where [[Harry Potter]] is attacked.
  - **Summer 1996:** After [[Lord Voldemort]]'s return is made public, the [[Muggle]] [[Prime Minister]] is informed by [[Cornelius Fudge]] that the unnatural mists, sudden cold snaps, and a destructive hurricane are direct results of the escalating [[Second Wizarding War]].
  - **1 May 1998:** [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] encounter a magically-generated, eternal thunderstorm protecting the entrance to the [[Lestrange Vault]]. The storm features lightning that reveals the presence of a "Thief's Downfall" waterfall.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * J.K. Rowling frequently uses weather and environmental conditions as a literary device known as [[Pathetic Fallacy]], where the natural world reflects the mood and events of the narrative. The bleak, cold, and stormy weather often corresponds with periods of danger, fear, and the rising power of [[Lord Voldemort]].
  * In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince//, the unnatural fog caused by [[Voldemort]]'s return is visually depicted as a dark, swirling miasma that accompanies [[Death Eater]] attacks, such as the destruction of the Millennium Bridge in London. (film)