Severe Weather “ERMINIO” Hits Greece with Heavy Rain, Storms and Strong Winds

Weather conditions are set to deteriorate significantly from today, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as a low-pressure system moving in from the west brings widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across the country.

The weather system ERMINIO is expected to cause severe conditions through Thursday, April 2, with “red” alerts issued for several regions, including Attica.

How the Weather Will Develop Today

According to the latest data from the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr), bad weather will initially affect the Ionian Islands, Epirus and western Greece from the early morning hours.

From midday onwards, rain and thunderstorms will spread to northern and central mainland areas, as well as the northern and northeastern Aegean islands. Southerly winds in the Ionian are expected to strengthen to moderate or locally strong levels.

A deep low-pressure system centered over southern Italy is driving the instability, with conditions expected to intensify further on Wednesday.

Dangerous Weather Warning (EDEKF)

The ERMINIO system—named by the Italian Meteorological Service—is forecast to impact most of the country on Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 2, bringing:

• Prolonged and intense rainfall and thunderstorms
• Possible hailstorms
• Very strong winds, reaching up to 8–9 Beaufort, and locally 10 Beaufort in the Dodecanese
• Heavy snowfall in the mountainous areas of Epirus and Macedonia

Areas Most Affected

Wednesday, April 1

Severe weather is expected in:

• Ionian Islands (early morning – orange alert)
• Eastern Peloponnese, eastern Central Greece, Evia, Thessaly, Sporades & Attica (midday to night – red alert)
• Cyclades (mainly north) & eastern Aegean islands (afternoon – orange alert)
• Dodecanese (afternoon – red alert)

Thursday, April 2

Strong phenomena expected in:

• Western & southern Peloponnese (morning to night – red alert)
• Eastern Thessaly (Larissa, Magnesia, Sporades) (until midday – orange alert)
• Central Macedonia (Pieria, Imathia, Halkidiki, Serres) (until afternoon – orange alert)
• Crete (mainly west and south) (midday to night – red alert)
• Eastern Aegean islands (late afternoon – orange alert)
• Dodecanese (early morning – red alert, later orange alert)

Increased Flood Risk in Attica

Meteorologists warn of a high risk of flooding in Attica, particularly due to the intensity of rainfall.

Rainfall totals are expected to reach 30–90 mm, with the heaviest precipitation forecast in northern and eastern parts of the region.

The most critical period is from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, when rainfall intensity may reach 20–40 mm per hour or more, significantly increasing the risk of:

• Flash floods
• Overflowing streams
• Disruptions to the road network

Experts stress that in densely built urban areas like Attica, even moderate total rainfall can become dangerous when it falls in short, intense bursts.

Civil Protection Guidelines

Authorities are urging citizens to take precautionary measures:

• Secure loose objects that could be swept away by strong winds
• Clear gutters and drainage systems
• Avoid crossing flooded streets, streams or low-water crossings
• Limit outdoor and coastal activities during storms
• Seek shelter during hailstorms or lightning

During thunderstorms:

• Avoid using electrical appliances
• Stay away from plumbing and metal objects
• If outdoors, avoid tall trees, power lines and bodies of water

For drivers:

• Avoid flooded roads
• Park away from trees
• Remain inside the vehicle during severe storms

In snowfall conditions:

• Use snow chains and plan travel carefully
• Avoid unnecessary movement during extreme weather

Authorities emphasize strict adherence to instructions from Civil Protection, police and local services.

Weather Outlook

• Wednesday: Widespread severe weather with intense rain, storms, hail and strong winds; snowfall in mountainous areas
• Thursday: Continued instability with strong local phenomena gradually easing
• Friday: Gradual weakening, with rain mainly in southern and eastern regions
• Saturday: Improving conditions, with isolated showers mainly in eastern Greece

Temperatures will remain relatively stable, with a slight drop during the peak of the weather system.