Weather in Greece: Severe storms and heavy rain alert

Severe weather in Greece is expected to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential hail across several regions starting Monday, October 26, 2026. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued an emergency alert as intense weather phenomena are projected to persist at least until Tuesday, October 27. High winds reaching 8 Beaufort are forecast for open seas in both the Aegean and Ionian regions. This weather pattern includes a gradual decline in temperatures across the country. This article details the specific regional alerts, temperature shifts, and wind conditions expected during this period.

Weather in Greece: Severe storms and heavy rain alert

What regions are under the most severe weather alerts?

The most intense weather phenomena are concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the country, where heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to occur. According to the emergency bulletin from EMY, specific areas will face significant weather impacts during the first two days of the storm cycle.

On Monday, October 26, the most critical conditions are identified in the following areas:

  • Eastern Central Greece: Particularly in southern Phthiotis and Boeotia, with impacts expected through the morning hours.
  • Attica: Rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast until midday, with a potential resurgence during the evening hours.
  • Thessaly: Specifically in the Magnesia and Larissa regions, with weather intensity expected to last until the evening.
  • Island Groups: The Sporades, Euboea, and the Dodecanese will experience heavy conditions, with the Dodecanese facing impacts from the pre-morning hours until late at night.
  • Eastern Aegean: Islands in this region are expected to see significant weather starting from midday.

The situation is expected to evolve on Tuesday, October 27. The Sporades and Euboea will face weather through midday and again in the evening, while the Eastern Aegean islands will deal with conditions until late afternoon. The Dodecanese will experience weather from midday onwards, and Attica will be affected through the morning hours. In Thessaly, specifically Magnesia and Larissa, the weather is expected to intensify from the evening of Tuesday onwards.

How will temperatures change during the storm?

Temperatures across Greece are set to undergo a gradual decline as the weather system progresses through the week. While some regions will maintain relatively mild conditions initially, a cooling trend will become more evident by Wednesday.

Daily temperature breakdown

On Monday, October 26, maximum temperatures are expected to remain within the range of 19°C to 22°C for most areas. However, localized variations exist, such as the Eastern Aegean where temperatures could reach 23°C. By Tuesday, October 27, the maximum temperatures will drop slightly to between 18°C and 21°C. Some western regions, including Crete and the Dodecanese, will remain warmer, with highs reaching 22°C to 23°C. A further drop in temperatures is anticipated for Wednesday, marking a clear shift toward cooler autumnal weather.

Specific regional temperature forecasts for Monday include:

RegionTemperature Range (°C)
Western Macedonia8 – 19
Macedonia and Thrace11 – 21
Epirus11 – 22
Thessaly12 – 20
Central Greece (Sterea)12 – 21
Peloponnese13 – 22
Ionian Islands14 – 22
Northern/Northeastern Aegean16 – 21
Other Aegean Islands15 – 22
DodecaneseUp to 25
Crete13 – 22

What are the wind and sea conditions expected?

Winds will gradually strengthen, particularly in open sea areas, posing potential challenges for maritime activities. According to meteo reports, wind speeds are expected to reach 7 Beaufort, with local gusts hitting 8 Beaufort on both Monday and Tuesday in the Ionian and Aegean seas.

The direction of the winds will vary by region. In the west, winds will blow from the northwest, while in eastern parts, they will primarily originate from the east or northeast. In the Central and Southern Aegean, winds are expected to be variable, with intensities ranging between 4 and 6 Beaufort, occasionally reaching 7 Beaufort. In the Ionian Sea, winds will be around 3 to 5 Beaufort, increasing to local 6 Beaufort in the northern Aegean by Monday evening.

What is the specific forecast for Attica and Thessaloniki?

Major urban centers will experience distinct weather patterns as the storm passes through. In Attica, the forecast includes cloud cover and rain, with thunderstorms specifically expected during the early morning hours. Winds in Attica will be northeasterly at 3 to 4 Beaufort, before shifting to a northerly direction in the evening and strengthening to 5 Beaufort. Temperatures in the capital will range between 15°C and 19°C.

Thessaloniki will see cloudy skies with localized rainfall. Winds in the northern city are expected to blow from the northwest at 3 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature levels in Thessaloniki are projected to stay between 12°C and 19°C during this period.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be hail in Greece during this period?

Yes, local hail is possible. According to the EMY and meteo forecasts, the heavy rain and thunderstorms occurring in the eastern parts of the country, including Thessaly, the Sporades, and the Eastern Aegean islands, may be accompanied by localized hail showers.

How long will the bad weather last?

The severe weather is expected to last at least until Tuesday, October 27, 2026. However, some weather phenomena, particularly in Thessaly, are projected to persist until Wednesday, October 28, as the system moves through the region.

Which islands are most affected by the storm?

The Dodecanese, the Sporades, Euboea, and the islands of the Eastern Aegean are among the most affected. These areas are expected to experience intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with the Dodecanese facing impacts from the pre-morning hours through late night.

What are the maximum wind speeds expected at sea?

Winds in the open seas of both the Ionian and Aegean are expected to reach 7 Beaufort, with local gusts reaching up to 8 Beaufort on Monday and Tuesday. This indicates potentially rough sea conditions for maritime travel.

Is the temperature dropping significantly?

A gradual decline in temperature is expected. While Monday sees highs of up to 22°C, Tuesday will see a slight drop to 18-21°C, and a further decrease is anticipated for Wednesday, signaling a transition to cooler weather.

Key takeaways

  • Severe weather including heavy rain and thunderstorms is forecast for eastern and southern Greece through October 27.
  • The EMY has issued emergency alerts for several regions, including Attica, Thessaly, and the Dodecanese.
  • Winds in the Ionian and Aegean seas may reach up to 8 Beaufort locally.
  • Temperatures are expected to decline gradually, with further cooling predicted for Wednesday.

Conclusion

The weather in Greece is entering a period of significant instability, characterized by heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, and the possibility of hail. With emergency alerts issued by the EMY for critical regions like Attica, Thessaly, and various island groups, residents and travelers should prepare for disruptive conditions. The combination of rising wind speeds in open seas and a cooling trend in temperatures suggests a transition into more volatile autumnal weather. Monitoring local updates remains essential as the system progresses through Tuesday and into Wednesday.

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