Summer-like weather conditions appear set to remain out of reach in Greece for the foreseeable future, as meteorological forecasts point to continued atmospheric instability across the country.
According to the latest weather data, rain showers and local thunderstorms are expected to affect several regions nationwide, delaying the arrival of sustained high temperatures.
Specifically, for the week between May 18 and May 25, forecast models show increased precipitation across Greece and the wider Balkan region.
The weather phenomena are expected to maintain a distinctly spring-like character, meaning they will primarily develop during the warmest hours of the day — from midday into the afternoon.
The strongest weather activity is forecast mainly across central and northern mainland regions.
Regarding weather conditions toward the end of the month, between May 25 and June 1, the broader meteorological picture does not show any strong signal for an early heatwave or prolonged hot air intrusion into Greece.
Weather Forecast for Monday, May 18
Weather conditions at the start of the week are expected to be generally clear, although cloud formations will develop across mainland areas during midday and the afternoon, bringing local showers mainly to northern mountainous regions.
Visibility during the morning and evening hours may be locally limited in northern and western mainland areas.
Winds will blow from northern directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort, while temperatures are not expected to change significantly.
- Attica: Sunny weather with local cloud cover developing during the afternoon in northern and western parts of the region. Temperatures between 14°C and 26°C.
- Thessaloniki: Generally clear weather with afternoon showers in nearby mountainous areas. Temperatures ranging from 12°C to 26°C.
- Macedonia and Thrace: Cloud development during midday and the afternoon, with showers mainly in mountainous locations. Temperatures from 12°C to 26°C, while western Macedonia will remain 2-3 degrees cooler.
- Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Central Greece and Western Peloponnese: Generally fair weather with local afternoon cloud cover over mountainous areas, where isolated rainfall is possible. Temperatures between 14°C and 24°C.
- Thessaly, Eastern Central Greece, Evia and Eastern Peloponnese: Mild weather conditions with temporary afternoon showers in mountainous areas, especially in Thessaly. Temperatures from 13°C to 26°C.
- Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese and Eastern Aegean Islands: Generally clear skies with thin cloud cover in southern areas. Temperatures between 16°C and 25°C.
How the Weather Will Evolve Through Friday
Tuesday, May 19: Instability will intensify. Initially, western and central Macedonia will see cloud cover and local rainfall, while by midday the unsettled weather will expand across the rest of the mainland, bringing showers and thunderstorms mainly to central and northern areas. By evening, the weather systems will be confined to northeastern Greece. Winds over southern seas may strengthen to 7 Beaufort. Temperatures will reach 24°C to 26°C.
Wednesday, May 20: The unstable pattern will persist. Morning showers are expected in eastern Macedonia and Thrace, while during midday and afternoon, rain showers and isolated thunderstorms will affect the rest of the mainland and Crete, mainly in mountainous areas. Temperatures will rise slightly inland.
Thursday, May 21: Weather conditions will generally improve, though the familiar pattern of afternoon showers will return in mountainous mainland areas and Crete. Northwesterly winds will reach 6 Beaufort and temporarily 7 Beaufort in the northern Ionian Sea. Temperatures will rise slightly further.
Friday, May 22: Rainfall and possibly isolated thunderstorms are expected in the northern Aegean and northeastern mainland regions until the afternoon hours. Across the rest of the country, weather conditions will improve, with any local showers restricted mainly to mountainous areas during the warmest part of the day.
