Greece Weather: Temperature Plummets Thursday, Storms Arrive Friday

Greece is set to experience a significant temperature drop on Thursday, bringing an end to the recent spell of intense heat and returning mercury levels to seasonal norms. However, this respite will be short-lived, as a new weather front is predicted to arrive on Friday, ushering in rain and strong storms across the country.

Thursday's forecast calls for scattered clouds and isolated thunderstorms in northern and eastern mainland areas, the Sporades, and Evia, particularly in the early hours. These phenomena are expected to gradually weaken by the afternoon. The rest of the country will enjoy generally clear skies and sunshine. Winds will blow from the north at 3 to 5 Beaufort, reaching up to 6 Beaufort locally, and up to 7 Beaufort in the Ionian and eastern Aegean seas.

The temperature decrease will be noticeable nationwide. Highs are expected to reach 32-33 degrees Celsius in most areas, with some inland regions, Crete, and the Dodecanese potentially reaching 34-35 degrees Celsius. In Attica, sunny weather is anticipated with some clouds, and temperatures ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. Thessaloniki will also see generally clear skies, with temperatures between 23 and 32 degrees Celsius.

Friday, however, marks a substantial change. Localized rain and sporadic thunderstorms are expected, with potential for heavy hail in central Macedonia, eastern Thessaly, the Sporades, and northern Evia. While the weather will gradually improve from the evening, particularly in the west and north, the initial impact of the new system is anticipated to be severe in these regions. Temperatures will see a slight further drop, reaching 29-30 degrees Celsius in the north and center, up to 32 degrees Celsius in other mainland areas, and 33 degrees Celsius in Crete and the Dodecanese.