Severe storms to hit Greece as temperatures plunge and mountain snow looms
Greece is bracing for severe weather as a low-pressure system moving from Italy brings heavy rain and thunderstorms to western and northern regions, followed by a significant drop in temperatures early next week, according to meteorologist Olga Papavvgouli.
The weather system has created a sharp contrast between western and eastern Greece. While thunderstorms have already affected the Ionian Islands and western parts of the country, temperatures in the east have remained unusually high, reaching 31 degrees Celsius in parts of Phthiotis.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate further from Saturday night, with the cold front moving eastward and bringing more widespread rainfall and thunderstorms.
Severe storms expected overnight
Saturday is expected to bring increasing instability, particularly in western and northwestern Greece. The heaviest rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast for the northern Ionian Islands, Epirus, western Central Greece, western Macedonia, western and northwestern Peloponnese, and mountainous areas of western Thessaly.
The strongest storms are expected in the northern Ionian and Epirus, where conditions could become particularly intense overnight into early Sunday.
Forecast models indicate the possible development of an organized line of thunderstorms over the Ionian Sea, especially its northern sections, before moving toward western and northwestern mainland Greece.
Such storm systems can produce powerful wind gusts, intense rainfall, frequent lightning and possible hail.
Southern winds of 4-5 Beaufort, locally reaching 6 Beaufort, are expected, particularly over the Ionian Sea.
Sunday to bring widespread rainfall, including Athens
Sunday is forecast to be the most unsettled day, as the cold front moves from west to east across the country.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in western and northwestern Greece from the early morning, gradually spreading into central and eastern regions. Attica, including the Athens area, could experience showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon.
The Ionian Islands, Epirus, western Central Greece and western and southwestern Peloponnese are among the areas requiring particular attention.
Storms are also expected to intensify across Thessaly and parts of Macedonia during the afternoon. By evening, stronger weather systems could affect the northern Aegean.
Thrace is expected to remain largely unaffected during the initial stages of the system.
Temperatures will begin to fall, particularly in western and northern Greece, while eastern areas will remain relatively warmer.
Storms to persist in the northeast on Monday
The main weather system is expected to move farther east on Monday, but unsettled conditions will continue across several parts of Greece.
The heaviest rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast in eastern Macedonia, Thrace and the eastern and northeastern Aegean, where locally severe conditions are possible, particularly during the first half of the day.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later, although rain and thunderstorms may persist in parts of western and northern Greece and the eastern Aegean.
Northwesterly winds will prevail over the Ionian Sea, while southwesterly winds are expected in the Aegean.
Temperatures will fall further, with maximum values in most areas expected to range between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.
New cold spell from Tuesday, with snow in the mountains
A more significant change is expected from Tuesday, as a new and colder weather system moves toward Greece.
Current forecast models suggest that much of the country could be affected, with the most significant rainfall potentially concentrated in eastern and southern regions. The exact distribution and intensity of the storms will depend on the system's trajectory.
Strong northerly winds are expected to bring colder air into the country, pushing temperatures below seasonal averages.
The temperature drop could become more pronounced by Wednesday, when maximum temperatures in the Athens area may remain below 19 degrees Celsius.
The combination of colder air and precipitation is expected to bring snowfall to mountains in central and northern Greece from Tuesday. Lighter snowfall is also possible on the highest peaks of the Peloponnese.
The unsettled conditions could continue through Wednesday, with the weather system gradually shifting toward the Aegean by Thursday.
Forecast developments remain uncertain
Meteorologists caution that the incoming system remains dynamic and that its exact path will determine which regions experience the most severe conditions.
Further updates are expected as new forecast data becomes available, particularly regarding the intensity of the storms, the extent of the temperature drop and the areas likely to receive snowfall.
Source:ERT
