Summer conditions will persist until Sunday, with temperatures rising to unseasonably high levels, reaching – and in some areas exceeding – 32°C. For example, Sparta and Thebes recorded 32.6°C yesterday.

However, a shift in the weather is expected from Sunday afternoon as a “Balkan front” moves across the country, causing temperatures to drop by up to 8°C and strengthening northern winds.

According to EMY Director Thodoros Kolydas, “The temperature will fall from 32°C-33°C on Saturday to 24°C-26°C by Monday, affecting the entire country.” He also noted that “strong northwesterly winds of 7 to 8 Beaufort in the Ionian and Aegean Seas will be a key feature of this weather change.”

Kolydas added in a social media post, “We will experience a significant temperature transition due to the passage of the Balkan front, which will bring cooler temperatures across the country, returning us to near or slightly below seasonal norms.”

Marousakis: “Summer First, Then a Violent Change”

Meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis also forecasts summer-like weather until Sunday, followed by a drastic change starting in the afternoon. He warns of strong winds and potentially dangerous storms.

According to Marousakis, Friday and Saturday will be the hottest days of the week, possibly reaching up to 34°C. However, a cold front moving from central Europe towards Greece will result in a sharp drop in temperatures and gusty northwest winds by Sunday.

Marousakis explains: “The collision of air masses with different characteristics will create strong pressure differences, leading to gusty northwest winds and atmospheric instability. The temperature in Athens, for example, will reach 34°C to 35°C on Sunday, but drop to 26°C-27°C by Monday.”

Potential Dangers from the Weather Shift

1. Dangerous thunderstorms: Starting Sunday afternoon in the north (Macedonia, Thrace, Northern Aegean, and possibly Northern Thessaly), accompanied by strong winds, hail, and lightning.
2. Gusty winds: Strong northwesterly winds from the northwest to the southeast, combined with high temperatures and dry conditions, will increase the risk of wildfires, especially in areas with no rainfall.
3. Continued instability on Monday: Thunderstorms are likely over eastern maritime areas, posing additional risks.

Marousakis urges caution, as this abrupt change in weather could lead to dangerous conditions.

Thursday’s Highs: Near 33°C

On Thursday, September 26, temperatures approached 33°C. According to the automatic weather stations of the National Observatory of Athens, Sparta and Thebes recorded the highest temperatures at 32.6°C. The warmest areas included the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Crete, Rhodes, and Macedonia.

Today’s Weather Forecast

Today, we expect mostly sunny skies with some localized cloud cover. Dust concentrations will be relatively high in the western regions. Temperatures across various parts of the country will range as follows:

• Western Macedonia: 11°C to 28°C
• Rest of Macedonia and Thrace: 15°C to 32°C
• Thessaly: 17°C to 32°C
• Epirus: 13°C to 30°C
• Central Greece: 16°C to 31°C
• Peloponnese: 13°C to 31°C
• Ionian Islands: 18°C to 27°C
• North and East Aegean Islands: 15°C to 33°C
• Cyclades and Dodecanese: 20°C to 30°C
• Crete: 15°C to 31°C

Winds will vary across the regions, with 2 to 5 Beaufort speeds in the Aegean and Ionian Seas

Weekend Outlook: Sudden Weather Change Expected

• Saturday, September 28, 2024: Clear skies across the country. Temperatures will remain high for the season, reaching 29°C to 34°C in some areas.
• Sunday, September 29, 2024: Initially clear skies, but cloud cover will increase from the northwest by midday. Showers and thunderstorms are expected, particularly in Macedonia, Thrace, and the northeastern Aegean. Winds will strengthen to 5 to 8 Beaufort, and temperatures will begin to drop significantly in the afternoon.
• Monday, September 30, 2024: Increased cloud cover and rain in eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and the northern Aegean Islands. Strong winds will persist, with temperatures dropping noticeably across the country, especially in northern regions.

Forecast

• Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Generally clear skies with some localized showers in the eastern and southern islands. Winds will remain strong, with temperatures staying near seasonal averages.