After several days of intense heat, Greece is finally getting a much-needed break. Temperatures are set to drop today, Saturday, June 28, as seasonal northern winds—known as meltemia—begin to prevail, offering a welcome breath of fresh air.

According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), today’s temperatures will fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, and by Sunday, June 29, the mercury is not expected to exceed 32 to 34°C across most areas.

The change in weather is also bringing stronger winds. Starting today, northerly winds will gradually intensify across the country.

On Sunday, they are forecast to reach up to 9 on the Beaufort scale in the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, and the eastern Aegean islands. Winds will also be strong in parts of the mainland, with gusts up to 8 Beaufort expected in Evia, Attica, and the eastern Peloponnese.

Saturday’s Forecast: Storms in the North, Showers in the South

Severe thunderstorms accompanied by powerful gusts are expected to hit parts of Macedonia and Thrace during the morning hours.

Further south, regions including Epirus, Central Greece, Thessaly, and the Peloponnese will see periods of cloudiness during midday and afternoon, with chances of local showers or brief rainstorms.

Isolated thunderstorms are also likely, particularly over the Peloponnese. In contrast, most of the remaining areas will enjoy generally clear skies, with only temporary cloud cover.

Winds will blow from northern directions—ranging from 4 to 6 Beaufort in the Ionian Sea and 5 to 7 in the Aegean.

With the temperature dip of 2 to 3 degrees, maximum values on the mainland are expected to range between 36 and 38°C.

On the Ionian islands, eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese, and Crete, temperatures will hover around 35 to 37°C, while the Cyclades will remain significantly cooler at 29 to 31°C.