Greece will mark its Oct. 28 national holiday on Wednesday, commemorating the country’s entry into World War II in 1940, with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds expected to affect celebrations and parades across much of the country.

Greek Police will introduce enhanced road safety measures on Tuesday and Wednesday to facilitate travel and prevent accidents. Patrols will be boosted on national and regional roads, with increased traffic police presence at the entrances and exits of major cities and targeted checks for dangerous driving violations.

Forecasts indicate that rain and thunderstorms will affect many areas on Wednesday. Locally severe phenomena, frequent lightning and hail are expected, particularly in Thessaly, the Sporades, Evia, eastern central Greece, the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese. Northern winds will reach seven to eight Beaufort in parts of the seas.

On Tuesday, rain and thunderstorms are forecast mainly in central, eastern and southern Greece, with snow at high elevations in western and central mountainous areas. Temperatures will generally range from 15 to 19 degrees Celsius, reaching 20-22 degrees in some western and southern areas.

On Wednesday, temperatures will drop further, generally reaching 14-17 degrees, with locally 18 degrees. The eastern Aegean islands will see highs of 19-20 degrees.

Heavy vehicle restrictions

Trucks weighing more than 3.5 metric tons will be prohibited from leaving major urban centers on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Restrictions on return journeys will apply Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.