Greece is set to experience a mix of weather conditions in the coming days, with mud showers expected across the country and an unusual surge in temperatures by the weekend.
After a sudden downpour in central Athens on Tuesday night, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has forecast scattered showers and sporadic thunderstorms for Wednesday, particularly in the western and northern regions, later spreading to the rest of the mainland.
Mud Showers and Strong Winds
Cloudy skies will dominate much of the western, central, and northern areas, bringing localised rain, while isolated thunderstorms are possible in the northwest as the night progresses. The atmosphere will also be affected by African dust, particularly in the western and southern regions, reducing visibility in some areas.
Strong southeast winds will persist, reaching 5 to 6 Beaufort, and increasing to 7 or even 8 Beaufort in coastal and maritime areas.
Unseasonal Warm Spell Ahead
Temperatures will remain unseasonably high, with daytime highs of 19-21°C in northern mainland Greece and the northern Aegean islands, 22-23°C in other island regions, and up to 25°C in northern Crete.
Meteorologists warn that this warming trend will intensify towards the weekend, with air masses from Africa pushing temperatures up to 14-15 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. By Tuesday, March 11, temperatures at 1,500 metres above sea level will already be 8-9 degrees Celsius higher than normal, further rising by March 15-16.
Regional Weather Breakdown
- Macedonia & Thrace: Mild conditions with southerly winds at 3-6 Beaufort. Temperatures will range between 9-21°C, with colder conditions in western Macedonia.
- Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Greece: Evening rains will intensify in the northern Ionian Sea, with possible isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures will reach up to 23°C, slightly cooler in Epirus.
- Eastern Greece & Peloponnese: Mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures reaching up to 23°C.
- Cyclades & Crete: Thickening clouds with local rain in western Crete and the western Cyclades. Winds will reach 8 Beaufort, with temperatures up to 25°C in northern Crete.
- Aegean Islands & Dodecanese: Variable cloud cover, with local showers in the eastern Aegean. Temperatures will hover between 13-20°C.
- Thessaly: Cloudy skies with occasional showers in the afternoon. Winds up to 7 Beaufort in the Sporades, with temperatures peaking at 22°C.
- Attica (Athens): Mostly cloudy with occasional rain in the evening. Southerly winds will range from 3-6 Beaufort, with temperatures from 10-22°C.
- Thessaloniki: Local showers expected from midday onward, with Thermaikos Bay experiencing winds of up to 5 Beaufort. Highs of 19°C.
Thursday’s Forecast: More Rain and Dust Transport
Thursday will bring further cloud cover, with local showers and isolated thunderstorms mainly in the west and north. However, most areas will see improving conditions by midday.
African dust transport will continue to affect visibility, while strong southerly winds (6-8 Beaufort) will persist, weakening slightly by afternoon. Temperatures will remain exceptionally high, reaching 20-22°C in most areas and up to 25°C in northern Crete and some mainland regions.
As Greece faces this unusual combination of mud showers, strong winds, and an early taste of summer, residents and travellers are advised to stay updated with EMY forecasts and take necessary precautions against dust exposure and sudden weather changes.