Following a prolonged heatwave, Greece is set to face bad weather from today, with the weather deteriorating significantly in certain geographical areas. Heavy rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms will be the main features of the weather, according to the National Meteorological Service (EMY), which has issued an emergency weather bulletin.

In particular,

A change is expected to the weather from today with local thunderstorms from noon in Macedonia (mainly eastern) and Thrace.

However, the day with the most and most intense phenomena will be Thursday. In particular, local thunderstorms will occur in other mainly mountainous areas in the central and northern regions. The thermometer will drop only slightly in the central and southern continents to 33 to 35 degrees. The winds will be westerly north-westerly, more intense in the Ionian Sea and the Kythera Sea.

On Thursday several thunderstorms will occur in the northern Aegean and in many continental areas. According to the latest EMY special bulletin, which will be updated at noon and again at midnight today, more heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday are forecast in eastern Macedonia, Thrace and areas of central Macedonia (mainly Chalkidiki), Thessaly (mainly in its western parts) and the Sporades, central and eastern Sterea (including Attica), eastern Peloponnese and Euboea. The temperature will drop further.

Colydas warning for frequent thunderstorms in Attica and Boeotia

In a post today, EMY director Thodoris Kolydas warns of intense phenomena that will affect the country tomorrow Thursday in Attica and Boeotia.

How the weather will develop

We will see a return to summer from Friday and especially from the weekend with temperatures gradually rising.

FORECAST FOR FRIDAY 05-07-2024
Generally clear weather, in the midday and afternoon hours in the mainland and Crete clouds will develop and there is a possibility for local rain in the mountains.
Winds will blow north-northwest 3 to 5 and in the Aegean Sea 6 Beaufort.
The temperature will rise slightly, mainly in the west and north, reaching 32 to 35 degrees Celsius on the mainland and 29 to 32 degrees Celsius on the islands.

FORECAST FOR SATURDAY 06-07-2024
Generally clear weather with occasional clouds in the midday and afternoon hours in the mountains of the mainland.
Winds will blow from the north, in the west 3 to 5 and in the east 4 to 6 and locally in the Aegean Sea 7 Beaufort.
The temperature will rise further, mainly in the west.

FORECAST FOR SUNDAY 07-07-2024
Generally clear weather with a few occasional clouds in the midday and afternoon hours in the mountainous areas of the northwestern part of the country.
Winds will blow from the north at 4 to 6 Beaufort and locally in the Aegean Sea at 7 Beaufort.
The temperature will rise further, mainly in the west.

The instructions of the Civil Protection in view of the bad weather

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) has informed the competent government departments involved, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be on increased civil protection preparedness in order to deal immediately with the effects of the severe weather.

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection recommends that citizens should be particularly careful, ensuring that they take measures to protect themselves from the risks arising from the occurrence of severe weather phenomena.

In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall, thunderstorms or gusty winds are forecast:

-To secure objects which, if carried away by severe weather events, may cause damage or injury.
-Make sure that the gutters and downspouts of residences are not blocked and are functioning properly.
-Avoid crossing streams and creeks, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainstorms and for several hours after they have ended
-Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).
-Take shelter immediately during a hailstorm. Take shelter in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until they are sure the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals as well.
-Avoid crossing under large trees, under posted signs, and generally from areas where light objects (e.g., pots, broken glass, etc.) can become detached and fall to the ground (e.g., under balconies).
-Follow strictly the instructions of the local authorities, such as traffic police etc.