What does the national forecast indicate for Sunday 20 September 2026?
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service reports generally clear skies across Greece with a modest temperature decline, especially in eastern regions. Daytime maxima are expected to reach 27-30 °C in most areas and locally 31 °C on the mainland. Afternoon cloud build-up will bring temporary showers to the mountains of Epirus, Macedonia, Thessaly, Central Greece and the Peloponnese, with isolated thunderstorms possible in western and northern districts as well as parts of the Ionian Sea. The same source adds that winds will blow from northerly directions, 3-4 Beaufort in the west and 4-6 Beaufort in the east, reaching 7 Beaufort locally in the Aegean. These conditions produce the overall cooling trend reported for the day. The forecast covers the entire country uniformly, noting that any precipitation will remain brief and confined to higher elevations during the midday and afternoon hours only.
Which regions will see the largest temperature changes?
Western Macedonia will range from 13 °C to 28 °C. The rest of Macedonia and Thrace will see 13-32 °C. Epirus is forecast at 13-31 °C while Thessaly and central mainland areas range from 12-14 °C at night to 32 °C by day. The Peloponnese will reach 14-31 °C. Crete is projected at 13-32 °C and the Ionian Islands 17-29 °C. Northern and north-eastern Aegean islands will record 13-28 °C and the remaining Aegean islands 19-30 °C. These figures represent a slight easing compared with recent days, most noticeable along the eastern mainland and islands. The source lists every regional minimum and maximum explicitly, confirming the drop is modest rather than sharp and is felt more in eastern zones than in the west. Western Macedonia shows the coolest maxima at 28 °C, while several central and southern mainland areas still reach 32 °C, illustrating the uneven nature of the cooling across the territory.
How strong will the winds be and where?
Northerly winds will dominate. In the North Aegean they will blow 3-4 Beaufort, shifting to north-north-westerly later in the day. The South Aegean will experience 3-5 Beaufort from northerly to north-westerly directions, with local gusts up to 7 Beaufort possible in the south-eastern Aegean. The Ionian Sea will see lighter northerly to north-westerly breezes of 2-4 Beaufort. These winds contribute to the cooling effect felt especially in coastal and island locations. Meteo separately notes that strong local winds will affect the south-eastern Aegean, aligning with the EMMY description of peak intensities. The directional shift from morning to afternoon hours is consistent in both forecasts, reinforcing the northerly component that drives the modest temperature reduction observed particularly on the eastern side of the country.
What conditions are expected in Athens and Thessaloniki?
Athens will enjoy sunshine with occasional cloud. Northerly winds of 3-4 Beaufort will keep temperatures between 17 °C and 31 °C. Thessaloniki is forecast to remain mostly clear with only passing clouds. Light southerly to south-easterly winds will prevail and temperatures will range from 17 °C to 32 °C. Both cities are therefore expected to experience comfortable late-September conditions without significant rainfall. The source provides these exact city ranges as representative of central and northern mainland conditions. Athens reflects the eastern cooling pattern while Thessaloniki remains slightly warmer, consistent with the broader regional data supplied for Macedonia and central Greece.
How does Meteo’s outlook align with the official forecast?
Meteo confirms sunshine interrupted by occasional cloud across most of the country, with rain confined mainly to the mountainous mainland. Strong local winds are again highlighted for the south-eastern Aegean. Temperatures are described as remaining at stable levels overall, consistent with the modest drop noted by EMMY. The two sources therefore present a coherent picture of fair weather punctuated by limited afternoon activity over high ground. Meteo adds that rain is expected chiefly over the mountains of Epirus, Macedonia, Thessaly, Central Greece and the Peloponnese during midday and afternoon hours, matching the EMMY bulletin. Both agencies agree that coastal and lowland areas will stay dry and that any thunderstorms will remain isolated and short-lived.
Frequently asked questions
Will rain affect coastal areas?
Coastal lowlands are expected to stay dry. Showers remain limited to the mountains during the afternoon and early evening.
How long will the northerly winds last?
The wind pattern is typical for the season and is forecast to persist through Monday before gradually easing later in the week.
Are thunderstorms likely near popular islands?
Isolated thunderstorms may form over the Ionian Islands and northern mainland mountains but are not expected to reach the central or southern Aegean islands.
What clothing is recommended for mountain hikers?
Light layers plus a waterproof jacket are advised for anyone planning to hike above 800 metres during the afternoon.
Will temperatures rise again next week?
Current guidance suggests a gradual return toward seasonal averages, with no extreme heat or cold indicated in the short term.
