The Greek National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts a gradual improvement in weather conditions across Greece today, Thursday, March 20, 2025, as the cold snap weakens and a spring-like atmosphere returns.
However, strong winds reaching up to 8 Beaufort will continue to batter the Aegean Sea, prompting caution for coastal areas and maritime activities.
Temperatures are set to rise slightly, with highs expected to reach 16°C in parts of the country, offering relief from the recent chill. Despite the warming trend, frost is anticipated in mainland regions during the early morning and evening hours.
Warnings: Stormy Winds in the Aegean
EMY has issued a specific alert for northern winds reaching 8 Beaufort in the Aegean, particularly affecting the Cyclades, Crete, and the eastern islands. While the winds are expected to gradually subside later in the day, they remain a key concern for the region.
General Forecast
Most of Greece will enjoy clear skies today. However, Crete will see localised rain, with brief snowfalls expected in its mountainous areas. Winds in the west will be light and variable at 2-3 Beaufort, shifting to northwesterly at 3-4 Beaufort by afternoon. In the east, northerly winds will range from 3-5 Beaufort, intensifying to 6-8 Beaufort in the Aegean before weakening later. Temperatures will climb to 14-15°C across most areas, hitting 16°C in the west, southern Crete, and the Dodecanese.
Regional Breakdown
– Attica (Athens Area): Mostly clear with brief clouds around midday. Northerly winds at 4-6 Beaufort, easing from noon. Temperatures: 3-15°C.
– Thessaloniki: Clear skies. Light, variable winds at 2-3 Beaufort. Temperatures: 3-14°C.
– Macedonia & Thrace: Mostly clear, with temporary clouds in Thrace. Winds at 2-4 Beaufort, stronger in Thrace. Temperatures: -4 to 15°C.
– Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Sterea, Western Peloponnese: Clear weather. Winds shifting to northwesterly at 3-4 Beaufort by afternoon. Temperatures: 4-16°C (lower in inland Epirus).
– Eastern Sterea, Evia, Eastern Peloponnese: Nearly clear. Northerly winds at 4-6 Beaufort, weakening by midday. Temperatures: 3-15°C.
– Cyclades & Crete: Partly cloudy with increased cloud cover at times. Rain in Crete and light snow in its mountains. Winds at 7-8 Beaufort, subsiding after midday. Temperatures: 7-16°C (highest in southern Crete).
– Eastern Aegean Islands & Dodecanese: Light clouds in the eastern Aegean, clearing by afternoon; nearly clear in the Dodecanese. Winds at 5-8 Beaufort. Temperatures: 7-16°C.
– Thessaly: Mostly clear. Light winds at 2-3 Beaufort; northerly at 4-5 Beaufort in the Sporades until midday. Temperatures: 0-15°C.
Looking Ahead
Today’s forecast signals a return to milder conditions after a cold spell, though the Aegean’s stormy winds remind us of nature’s unpredictability. Stay tuned for updates as the weather evolves.