As autumn instability returns, Greece is preparing to face two consecutive waves of bad weather over the coming week. The first is expected to hit the country starting tomorrow and last through Monday, while a second system is forecast to affect mainly the Wednesday–Thursday period, according to meteorologists.

Meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas reported that heavy rainfall was recorded yesterday in the west and locally in Epirus, though today’s conditions will show some improvement with scattered instability in western regions and the eastern Aegean.

Two more waves of bad weather expected:

• The first will last from Sunday to Monday, affecting many regions.
• The second, from Wednesday to Thursday, will mainly impact the western and southern parts of the country, before improving around Saint Demetrius Day (October 26).

Temperatures will rise noticeably from the middle of next week, reaching 5–6°C above seasonal averages — a brief “Saint Demetrius summer,” as it’s often called.

First front: Rain and storms Sunday – Monday

The first weather change will begin in western and northern Greece on Sunday, bringing rain and scattered thunderstorms to Epirus, Western Sterea, and Macedonia. By afternoon, the weather will worsen eastward, gradually affecting Thessaly and parts of Central Greece.

In Attica, the weather will initially be fair, but clouds will develop from midday, and light rain may occur in northern and eastern suburbs. Winds will blow from the north, up to 6 Beaufort over the seas, while temperatures will slightly drop, especially on Monday.

This first wave will bring a 2–3°C temperature drop and temporarily strong winds over the Aegean, though it won’t last long.

Second front: Worsening weather Wednesday – Thursday

The second front is expected to be more concerning. It will move in from the west on Wednesday night, affecting a large part of the country through Thursday. Forecasts predict heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in western Greece, Thessaly, Macedonia, and the eastern Aegean islands.

These storms may be accompanied by hail and strong winds. Temperatures will drop again, mainly in northern and mountainous areas. The instability is expected to last until Thursday night, with gradual improvement from Friday onward.

Return of sunshine by the end of the week

From Friday, conditions will improve, with rising temperatures and sunshine across most regions. However, meteorologists warn that autumn instability will persist in the following days, bringing alternating sunshine and local showers.

Citizens are advised to remain cautious, especially in areas expecting severe storms, avoid traveling through mountainous or hazardous areas, and follow updates from the National Meteorological Service (EMY).

Heaviest rainfall on Friday in northwestern mainland Greece

The most significant rainfall on Friday, October 17, up to 7:40 p.m., was observed in western and particularly northwestern mainland areas.

The map provided by meteo.gr / National Observatory of Athens shows cumulative rainfall until 7:40 p.m. and the eight stations recording the highest totals. The greatest rainfall was measured in Zotikó, Ioannina, reaching 72.6 mm.

Today’s weather

Unstable conditions with local showers and isolated thunderstorms in western and northern Greece.

Temperatures:

• Western Macedonia: 7–19°C
• Rest of Macedonia & Thrace: 11–21°C
• Thessaly: 12–22°C
• Epirus: 11–22°C
• Rest of mainland Greece: 13–24/25°C
• Ionian Islands: 17–21°C
• Aegean Islands: 11–23/24°C
• Crete: 13–25°C

Winds: Westerly to northwesterly; southerly in the east, gradually turning westerly, 2–4 Beaufort, up to 5 in the south.

Attica: Mostly cloudy; variable winds 2–4 Beaufort; temperatures 14–24°C.
Thessaloniki: Cloudy with local rain; northwesterly winds 2–3 Beaufort; temperatures 12–20°C.

Sunday, October 19 forecast

In Crete and the Dodecanese, local clouds increasing after midday. In Epirus, Macedonia, and Thrace, clouds with scattered showers. Elsewhere, unstable weather with rain and afternoon thunderstorms, possibly strong in the southern Ionian and the Peloponnese.

Winds: Easterly 3–5 Beaufort, up to 6 in the Ionian after midday.
Temperatures: 18–21°C in western, central, and northern Greece; 23–25°C elsewhere.

Monday, October 20 forecast

In central and southern regions, unstable weather with rain and scattered thunderstorms, possibly strong in places. Gradual weakening later. Elsewhere, partly cloudy with occasional local showers.

Winds: Northerly 3–5 Beaufort, locally up to 6; southerly in the morning in the south, later turning northerly. Winds will weaken by night in western and southeastern areas.
Temperatures: Slight further drop, mainly in the south.