Greece is expected to see widespread rain and unsettled weather on Meat Thursday or “Tsiknopempti“, a popular day for outdoor grilling celebrations, with meteorologists warning that showers and storms could affect many parts of the country.
Forecasters say a prolonged period of weather instability is setting in as low-pressure systems approach from the west, bringing changing conditions nationwide throughout the week. The timing and location of rainfall on Meat Thursday could influence when and where holiday grilling takes place.
Several meteorologists predict a generally unstable pattern with rain, thunderstorms and a drop in temperatures in many areas. Conditions are expected to shift frequently across the country.
According to forecasts, rain is likely in the Aegean Sea region and in eastern areas during the morning hours on Meat Thursday. By evening, heavier rainfall is expected in western Greece, on the island of Crete, and in eastern island regions. The areas around Athens and Thessaloniki are not expected to see rain before midday, but a deterioration in weather is forecast later in the day.
Other experts say most regions will experience unsettled weather but without severe cold. Periods of strong rain and storms are possible, especially in the eastern Aegean and western parts of the country.
Greece’s National Meteorological Service also forecasts clouds with rain and scattered thunderstorms at times throughout the day. Rain may be temporarily heavy in the eastern Aegean in the morning and in western areas by night.
Temporary snowfall is expected in mountainous areas of central and northern Greece from the afternoon. Winds will blow from the west and southwest at 3 to 5 Beaufort, reaching 6 to 7 Beaufort in southern and eastern seas and later in the Ionian Sea. Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly.
