Greece is set to experience unsettled weather conditions on Friday, with widespread rain and thunderstorms expected across the country.
A slight drop in temperatures is also anticipated, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS).
Cloud cover will be temporarily increased, bringing localised showers and scattered storms, primarily in the western, northern, and eastern Aegean regions. These weather phenomena will be particularly intense in Central Macedonia during the early morning hours, in Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and the northeastern Aegean by midday, and in the southwestern Peloponnese later in the evening.
Snowfall is forecasted for the central and northern mountainous regions. Winds will vary in direction, blowing at 3 to 4 Beaufort, while in southern parts, westerly winds may reach up to 6 Beaufort.
Temperature Outlook
A slight decrease in temperatures is expected, with highs reaching 16-17°C in western and northern regions and 18-20°C in eastern and southern areas.
Regional Forecast
Macedonia & Thrace: Increased cloud cover with localized showers and scattered thunderstorms, which may be intense in Central Macedonia during the early hours and in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace until midday. Light snowfall is expected in mountainous areas. Winds will be variable at 3-4 Beaufort, temporarily reaching 5 Beaufort in the Thracian Sea. Temperatures will range from 9°C to 17°C, with lower readings in Western Macedonia.
Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Central Greece & Western Peloponnese: Periods of increased cloud cover with localised showers and gradually intensifying thunderstorms, especially in the southwestern Peloponnese during the evening. Light snow may fall in the mountainous regions of Epirus. Winds will be southwesterly at 3-5 Beaufort, reaching up to 6 Beaufort in southern areas. Temperatures will range from 10°C to 17°C, with interior Epirus experiencing 3-4°C lower.
Eastern Central Greece, Evia & Eastern Peloponnese: Partly cloudy skies with occasional increases and localised showers during the midday and afternoon hours. Light snow is expected in the mountains of Central Greece. Winds will be westerly at 3-4 Beaufort, reaching up to 6 Beaufort in southern areas. Temperatures will range from 10°C to 19°C.
Cyclades & Crete: Partly cloudy skies with occasional increases and light local showers, mainly over Crete. Winds will be southwesterly at 4-6 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 15°C to 19°C, reaching up to 20°C in Crete.
Eastern Aegean Islands & Dodecanese: Partly cloudy with increased cloud cover at times. Localised showers will occur until midday, mainly in the northeastern Aegean, with isolated thunderstorms. In the northern parts, storms may be locally intense. Winds will be westerly at 3-5 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 13°C to 20°C.
Thessaly: Cloudy skies with localized showers during the midday and afternoon hours. Light snow will fall in mountainous areas. Winds will be westerly at 3-4 Beaufort, shifting to southerly in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 10°C to 19°C.
Attica: Partly cloudy with periods of increased cloudiness. Weak local showers may occur during the midday and afternoon hours. Winds will be westerly at 3-4 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 11°C to 19°C.
Thessaloniki: Increased cloud cover with rain and scattered thunderstorms, which may be intense during the early morning hours. Winds will be variable at 2-4 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 10°C to 17°C.
Weekend Weather Outlook
On Saturday, Greece will continue to experience unstable weather, with intermittent cloud cover and localized showers or short rain showers. Thunderstorms will develop over the Aegean and, after midday, in mainland areas and the Ionian Islands. Intense storms are expected in the eastern Aegean Islands, western Crete, and the southwestern Peloponnese in the morning, as well as in the Dodecanese by the evening. Snowfall will occur in mountainous regions. Winds will be mainly southwesterly, reaching 5-6 Beaufort in southern areas, and 4-6 Beaufort in the eastern Aegean. Temperatures will drop slightly, with maximums reaching 15-16°C in the west, 17-18°C in the east, and up to 19°C in the south.
On Sunday, variable cloud cover will persist with localized showers and thunderstorms, mainly in the eastern Aegean (including the eastern Aegean islands and Dodecanese) and during the afternoon in mainland regions. A temporary improvement is expected in the west by late afternoon. Light snowfall will continue in mountainous areas. Winds will be southwesterly at 3-5 Beaufort, and temperatures will remain relatively unchanged.
As Greece braces for stormy conditions, residents are advised to stay informed on weather updates and take necessary precautions, particularly in regions expecting intense thunderstorms and strong winds.