Clouds carrying African dust and a wave of thunderstorms are expected to create a volatile weather pattern across Greece this weekend, with meteorologists warning of heavy rain, localized hailstorms and muddy showers in several regions.
According to forecasts, southern parts of the country will be affected by African air masses, bringing hazy skies and increased concentrations of dust in the atmosphere. The phenomenon is expected to lead to light muddy rain in some areas, particularly in the Peloponnese, the Cyclades islands and Crete.
At the same time, a separate weather system moving in from the north is forecast to trigger rain and thunderstorms, mainly in northwestern Greece. Meteorologists warned that some storms could become temporarily intense, with a chance of hail in Epirus as well as parts of western and central Macedonia.
The contrasting conditions are expected to divide the country into two distinct weather zones over the weekend.
Weather in Athens and Thessaloniki
In Athens, intermittent cloud cover is forecast throughout the day, with a slight chance of light local showers. Temperatures are expected to reach 25°C, while winds could strengthen to 4 Beaufort.
Thessaloniki is expected to see a higher likelihood of rainfall and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures in the northern city will reach around 23°C, with southeasterly winds up to 4 Beaufort.
Dust to Gradually Clear
Forecasters said conditions should begin improving from Sunday as winds shift to west-northwesterly directions, gradually clearing the atmosphere of African dust.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service warned that thunderstorms could become temporarily strong in parts of western and northern Greece during the afternoon and evening hours on Saturday. Rainfall is expected to weaken later in the evening, with conditions improving across most areas overnight.
Temperatures will remain relatively high for the season, reaching between 24°C and 28°C in many parts of the country, while some areas in eastern mainland Greece and Crete could see highs of up to 28°C.
Outlook for the New Week
The weather is expected to stabilize from Monday, with generally clear skies across most of Greece. Only isolated showers are forecast in mountainous inland regions during the afternoon hours.
Temperatures are set to remain steady through the beginning of the week, while northern winds will continue across the Aegean Sea and eastern regions.
