Unsettled weather marks the start of May across Greece, with rain, strong northerly winds and a noticeable drop in temperatures expected to dominate conditions through the long weekend.

According to the National Meteorological Service (EMY), cloud cover with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms will affect central and northern regions on Friday, gradually spreading to the rest of the country. Conditions are expected to begin improving in the northeast later in the evening.

Snowfall is forecast in mountainous areas of the mainland.

Winds will blow from the north to northeast at moderate to strong levels, reaching gale force in the Aegean, where gusts may be particularly intense.

Temperatures will remain below seasonal averages, reaching 14-15°C in northern areas, 16-17°C in eastern mainland regions and up to 18°C locally in the south. Elsewhere, temperatures will range between 19-21°C, with southern Crete and the Dodecanese seeing highs of around 22°C.

The unstable pattern is expected to persist through the three-day period, with improved weather conditions anticipated from Monday.