Greece continues to experience summer-like conditions, with temperatures steadily climbing over the next few days. The prevailing heat is expected to persist through Friday. However, a notable shift in the weather pattern is forecast thereafter, as meteorologists anticipate a 48-hour spell of atmospheric instability accompanied by showers, thunderstorms, a significant temperature drop — up to 7°C — and increasing winds.
According to meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas, a cut-off low-pressure system currently over Italy will move eastward, triggering widespread instability across Greece on Friday and Saturday. He also warned of a second wave of unsettled weather arriving on Monday, this time originating from the Black Sea region.
“The isolated low over Italy will shift eastward, leading to severe atmospheric instability on Friday and Saturday, with a similar pattern expected on Monday from a separate system advancing from the Black Sea,” Kolydas wrote in a post on social media.
Kolydas also highlighted a brief drop in temperatures this weekend, possibly falling slightly below seasonal norms before rebounding midweek to conclude June at climatological averages. He added:
“A strong meteorological disturbance is expected over the weekend.”
OPEN TV’s meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis echoed the forecast, stating that beginning Friday afternoon, Greece will see a marked deterioration in weather conditions, with thunderstorms and a cooling trend lasting through Sunday.
“Temperatures will drop by as much as 7 degrees, though readings will remain within typical seasonal ranges,” he noted, emphasizing that the weather should not be described as “cold” but rather a return to climatological norms.
High Fire Risk Today in 11 Regions
Despite the looming instability, today’s conditions remain hot and dry. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued a Category 3 (high) fire risk alert for the following areas:
- Attica & Kythera
- Argolida
- Parts of Boeotia, Evia, Corinthia, Laconia
- The Cyclades
- The islands of Lesvos (Mytilene), Chios, and Psara
Detailed Weather Forecasts
Today (Wednesday, June 18)
Clear skies will prevail across most of the country. However, in mountainous regions, particularly along the Pindus range, afternoon cloud development may lead to localized rain and thunderstorms.
- Temperature Ranges:
- Western Macedonia: 13–29°C
- Rest of Macedonia & Thrace: 13–31/33°C
- Thessaly: 15–34/36°C
- Epirus: 15–31/33°C
- Mainland Greece: 17–33/35°C
- Ionian Islands: 17–30/32°C
- Aegean & Crete: 17–31/33°C
- Winds:
- Aegean: Northerly, up to 4–5 Beaufort
- Ionian: West-northwesterly, up to 4 Beaufort
Thursday, June 19
Mostly clear with developing clouds in the afternoon over the northern mainland, possibly bringing isolated showers.
- Winds:
- Light westerlies in the west (3–4 Beaufort)
- Northerlies in the east (up to 6 Beaufort in the Aegean)
- Temperatures: Little change; 33–35°C inland, slightly cooler on the islands.
Friday, June 20
Fair conditions early, but instability develops by midday with local showers and isolated thunderstorms, especially in Evia and central/northern Greece.
- Winds: Variable, 3–4 Beaufort; northerlies in the Aegean up to 5 Beaufort
- Temperatures: Stable but with expected decline into evening hours
Saturday, June 21
Cloudiness in Central Macedonia and Thessaly with scattered thunderstorms, clearing by evening. Elsewhere, mostly clear with mountain showers during the day.
- Winds: Northerly, 4–6 Beaufort (Aegean locally up to 6)
- Temperatures: Slight drop compared to Friday
Sunday, June 22
Mainly clear, but afternoon convection may lead to mountain showers.
- Winds: Strong northerlies, reaching 7–8 Beaufort in the Aegean
- Temperatures: Slight additional cooling, more noticeable in the east
Ask me anything
Explore related questions