The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued a red alert warning for a three-day period of severe weather, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms across Greece starting Monday, March 31, 2025.
The Attica region, home to the capital Athens, is expected to be impacted from Monday afternoon, prompting heightened preparedness measures from authorities.
According to EMY’s emergency weather bulletin, the intense weather phenomena will begin affecting the Cyclades islands from midday Monday (31/03/25) and will persist across eastern Greece until the early hours of Wednesday (02/04/25). The storms are anticipated to be locally dangerous, with specific regions facing significant risks:
– Cyclades: From midday Monday (31/03/25) to early Tuesday morning (01/04/25).
– Eastern Aegean Islands (notably Samos, Ikaria, and Chios): From Monday evening (31/03/25) through Tuesday afternoon (01/04/25).
– Eastern Sterea (including Attica) and Evia: From Monday afternoon (31/03/25) to early Tuesday morning (01/04/25).
– Dodecanese: From early Tuesday morning (01/04/25) to Tuesday evening.
– Thessaly and Sporades: From early Tuesday (01/04/25) through Tuesday evening.
The Risk Assessment Committee convened on Saturday, March 30, to evaluate the latest data and is set to meet again today to finalise preparations for the eastern regions of the country. Authorities warn that the storms could bring hazardous conditions, including flash flooding and strong winds.
Government Response and Citizen Guidelines
On Saturday morning, Greece’s Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, chaired an emergency meeting to address the looming weather threat. The Civil Protection Operations Center has coordinated with local municipalities, security forces, and other agencies to ensure full readiness for the impending storms.
The General Secretariat of Civil Protection has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, or gale-force winds. Key recommendations include:
– Securing objects that could be swept away by strong winds or floods, potentially causing damage or injury.
– Ensuring gutters and drains are clear and functional.
– Avoiding crossing torrents or streams—on foot or by vehicle—during and after storms.
– Steering clear of outdoor work or coastal activities due to the risk of lightning strikes.
– Seeking immediate shelter during hailstorms, either in buildings or vehicles, and remaining there until the storm passes.
– Avoiding areas under large trees, hanging signs, or where loose objects (e.g., flowerpots or broken glass) could fall.
Citizens are also advised to follow instructions from local authorities, including traffic police, to stay safe during the weather event.
Weather Forecast for Monday, March 31
EMY predicts widespread cloud cover across Greece on Monday, with rain and sporadic thunderstorms intensifying in the eastern regions. The Cyclades will see dangerous conditions from midday, followed by eastern Sterea, Evia, and the eastern Aegean islands later in the day. Light snow is expected in the mountainous areas of Epirus and central Sterea, while African dust may affect southeastern parts of the country.
Winds will vary, reaching 3-4 Beaufort in the west, center, and north, shifting to easterly directions up to 5 Beaufort. In the southeast, winds could hit 7-8 Beaufort. Temperatures will hover between 17-19°C in most areas, climbing to 20°C in the southern islands and locally up to 22°C in Crete.
For Attica specifically, expect cloudy skies with rain escalating to scattered thunderstorms by afternoon, some of which may be intense. Winds will be light at 2-3 Beaufort, turning easterly up to 4 Beaufort, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 18°C.
As Greece braces for this turbulent weather, residents and visitors alike are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to weather the storm safely.