Greece is bracing for a change in the weather from today, Sunday, as rain and thunderstorms move in from the west, accompanied by a slight drop in temperatures and winds reaching force 6 on the Beaufort scale.

According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), cloudy skies with localised rain or showers are expected initially over the Ionian Islands, gradually spreading across mainland Greece, with the exception of eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Parts of Crete and the Dodecanese will also experience rainfall.

Isolated thunderstorms are forecast mainly over the Ionian Sea and western and southern mainland areas. Visibility may be locally reduced during the morning and evening hours, particularly in eastern regions.

Temperatures will dip slightly, reaching 20°C to 22°C across the Ionian Islands and mainland Greece, while other regions will see highs of 23°C to 24°C.

In Attica, cloudy conditions are expected, with rain developing and thunderstorms forecast from the afternoon onwards. Visibility may be locally restricted overnight and during the early morning hours. Winds will be variable at force 2 to 3, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 21°C.

In Thessaloniki, cloudy skies and localised rainfall are forecast until the afternoon. Visibility will be reduced overnight and early in the morning. Easterly to southeasterly winds will blow at force 2 to 4, while temperatures will range between 14°C and 21°C.

Monday and Tuesday expected to bring the worst weather

Conditions are expected to deteriorate further on Monday, October 26, with thunderstorms forecast across the Sporades, Evia, eastern Central Greece, the eastern and southern Peloponnese, Crete, the Cyclades, the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese.

The storms could be particularly intense in some areas, raising concerns over the impact of the adverse weather.

On Tuesday, October 27, rain and scattered thunderstorms will continue across eastern and southern Greece, with the heaviest downpours expected in Evia, the southeastern Peloponnese, the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese.

Temperatures will fall further, particularly in northern and eastern parts of the country.

Where will it rain on October 28?

Unsettled conditions are expected to persist on Wednesday, October 28, when Greece celebrates Ohi Day, its national holiday commemorating the country’s refusal to surrender to Italy’s ultimatum in 1940.

According to EMY, central and southern Greece will experience cloudy skies, localised rainfall and isolated thunderstorms.

Rain cannot be ruled out in Attica, where the annual school parade is scheduled to take place, potentially affecting the celebrations in Athens.

By contrast, Thessaloniki is expected to enjoy favourable weather for its major military parade, with conditions forecast to remain largely dry.

Temperatures are expected to fall further across the country on Wednesday, bringing a distinctly cooler feel to the national holiday celebrations.