Greece is set to experience a spell of unusually warm weather over the coming days, with temperatures climbing well above seasonal averages and reaching as high as 32°C in some areas by Monday.

According to the latest forecast, sunshine and rising temperatures will be the dominant features across most of the country, while African dust currently affecting the atmosphere is expected to gradually clear.

Although isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecast mainly in northern and mountainous regions during the weekend, meteorologists say the main trend will be a significant rise in temperatures.

Warm Weekend With Dust and Local Showers

On Saturday, May 9, central and northern parts of Greece, as well as some western areas, are expected to see intervals of clouds with local rain showers and isolated thunderstorms developing mainly during the afternoon.

The rest of the country will enjoy mostly sunny conditions with only temporary cloud cover.

African dust will continue to affect air quality, while visibility may be limited early in the morning due to mist or fog in some areas.

Winds will initially blow from southern directions before gradually turning northwesterly later in the day.

Temperatures are expected to rise noticeably nationwide. Northern regions will see highs between 22°C and 25°C, while most other areas will range from 24°C to 27°C. In parts of mainland Greece, Crete and the Dodecanese islands, temperatures could reach 28°C to 29°C.

Athens and Thessaloniki Forecast

Athens is forecast to remain mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C and locally reaching 27°C. A slight chance of brief light showers is expected in eastern and southern parts of the region during the warmest hours of the day.

In Thessaloniki, partly sunny skies and occasional cloud cover are expected, along with local showers mainly in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 12°C to 23°C.

Temperatures Continue Rising on Sunday

Sunny weather is expected to dominate across Greece on Sunday, May 10, with only temporary cloud development over mountainous inland areas.

African dust is forecast to gradually move away, while temperatures will continue to climb and remain above normal levels for this time of year.

Most regions are expected to record highs between 26°C and 28°C, while inland areas could see temperatures approaching 30°C.

Monday Could Reach 32°C

The warmest conditions are expected on Monday, May 11, when temperatures in mainland Greece and Crete may climb to 31°C or even 32°C.

Weather conditions are forecast to remain mostly clear across the country, with only isolated local showers possible in mountainous northern and central areas during the afternoon.

Meteorologists say the temperatures will remain significantly higher than average for early May, creating an atmosphere more typical of summer than spring.