Greece remains under severe weather conditions this Friday, October 3, as heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail continue to affect much of the country. Emergency alerts have been sent to residents in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Serres, urging caution until midday Friday due to dangerous conditions.
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), an emergency weather bulletin remains in effect, with intense storms striking eastern parts of the country.
Regions Most Affected
- Central Macedonia and northern Cyclades (early Friday morning)
- Eastern Macedonia, Thrace and the islands of the Eastern Aegean (until midday Friday)
- The Dodecanese islands, particularly Kastellorizo (from morning until evening)
The most dangerous conditions are expected in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Serres through Friday morning, as well as in Thrace and parts of the Aegean later in the day.
Weekend Forecast
Meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis said conditions will gradually improve by Friday evening, with calmer weather expected over the weekend. Local showers and thunderstorms may still occur, especially in western and southern Greece.
- Saturday: Unstable weather with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms in central and southern areas. Temperatures will range from 15–20°C in the north and up to 25°C in southern islands.
- Sunday: Mostly fair weather, with light rain possible in western Greece and Crete. Temperatures will rise slightly across most regions.
Another Storm Coming Monday
Despite the weekend improvement, forecasters warn of a new wave of bad weather starting Monday, bringing more rain, falling temperatures and strong winds.
Rainfall Records
The highest rainfall recorded so far was on Paxos island, where nearly 100 mm of rain fell within 24 hours, according to the National Observatory of Athens. Over 80% of Greece’s meteorological stations reported rainfall during the same period.
Civil Protection Warnings
Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, including securing outdoor objects, avoiding flooded roads, staying away from rivers and streams, and seeking shelter during hail or lightning storms. Drivers are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm activity.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has also called on local authorities across Greece to remain on high alert to deal with potential flooding and storm-related damage.
