A sharp change in weather is expected across Greece starting Tuesday, bringing rain, stronger winds and gradually cooler temperatures after a period of mild and sunny conditions earlier this month.
Forecasters say the shift will mark a return to more unstable, winter-like weather in many parts of the country, with increased cloud cover, localized rainfall and snow in mountainous areas.
Rain spreading across the country Tuesday
On Tuesday, March 17, clouds will increase across most regions, with local rain initially affecting western and southern areas before spreading to other parts of the country.
Eastern Macedonia, Thrace and parts of the northeastern Aegean Sea are expected to see some sunny intervals, although clouds may temporarily thicken.
Snowfall is forecast in mountainous areas of mainland Greece, though it is expected to remain at relatively high elevations.
Winds will blow mainly from eastern directions at 4 to 6 on the Beaufort scale, locally reaching 7 Beaufort. In the southern Ionian Sea, winds may strengthen further, reaching up to 8 Beaufort.
Temperatures will remain relatively stable at first, with highs of 14–15°C (57–59°F) in northern and central regions and 16–17°C (61–63°F) elsewhere, locally reaching 18°C (64°F).
Conditions in major cities
In the Athens area, skies will start partly cloudy before becoming more overcast during the day, with a chance of light rain in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will range from about 7°C to 15°C (45–59°F), reaching locally up to 16°C (61°F). Northerly and northeasterly winds will blow at 3 to 5 Beaufort, locally up to 6 Beaufort in eastern areas.
In Thessaloniki, clouds will gradually increase during the day, with local rain expected from midday. Temperatures will range from 5°C to 13°C (41–55°F), locally reaching 14°C (57°F). Winds will blow from the east and southeast at 3 to 5 Beaufort, briefly strengthening to 6 Beaufort.
Unsettled weather continues midweek
The unsettled conditions will continue Wednesday, March 18, with increased cloud cover across most of the country and scattered showers, mainly in central and southern regions.
Isolated thunderstorms are forecast in the southern Ionian Sea, Crete, the Peloponnese and the Cyclades islands, with rain spreading later to the Dodecanese islands and temporarily to the northern Ionian Sea.
Winds will blow from the east and northeast at 4 to 6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 Beaufort. Gusts could reach 8 Beaufort in the southern Ionian Sea during the morning and in the northern Aegean later in the day.
Temperatures will drop slightly, with highs of 12–14°C (54–57°F) in northern and central regions and around 16–17°C (61–63°F) elsewhere.
Further deterioration expected Thursday
Weather conditions are expected to worsen further on Thursday, March 19.
Clouds will dominate across most of the country, bringing localized showers, especially in western, central and southern regions. Thunderstorms are possible in the southern Ionian Sea, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades and Crete.
Snowfall is expected in mountainous areas of northwestern Greece.
Winds in the Aegean Sea will strengthen significantly, blowing from the north and northeast at 5 to 7 Beaufort and locally reaching 8 Beaufort, possibly even 9 Beaufort in northern areas for short periods. In the Ionian Sea, easterly winds will range from 4 to 6 Beaufort, locally strengthening to 7 Beaufort in the morning.
Temperatures are expected to drop further nationwide, reinforcing the return to colder conditions by the middle of the week.
