As Greece prepares for May Day celebrations, the weather forecast indicates a turbulent weekend ahead, marked by thunderstorms, strong winds, and even hail in certain regions. Meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias has shared insights on the expected weather conditions, warning that the upcoming days will be anything but typical for spring.
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), the weather will remain unstable through the weekend, with rain and sporadic thunderstorms anticipated across much of the country. On Sunday, April 27, 2025, these conditions will particularly affect Thessaly, the Sporades, Evia, eastern Sterea, eastern Macedonia, and Thrace, as well as coastal areas of the central and northern Aegean. In Crete, the rain is expected to persist, causing travel difficulties for those returning from the Easter holiday.
Tsatrafyllias emphasized that Sunday will not be suitable for light spring attire, stating, "We’re heading into May Day without short sleeves. Expect afternoon showers, hail, and thunderstorms for mainland Greece, while our islands will enjoy much better weather." He added that the evening is expected to bring some improvement across most regions.
On Sunday morning, visibility in many areas will be limited due to fog, especially in western Greece, prompting officials to advise caution for drivers, particularly on roads prone to flooding or hail. Winds will be blowing from the north at speeds of 3 to 5 Beaufort, increasing to 6 to 7 Beaufort in the Aegean and locally reaching up to 8 Beaufort in northern areas.
Temperatures are forecasted to dip slightly, with western regions experiencing highs of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, while other areas will see temperatures ranging from 19 to 21 degrees Celsius. In Thessaloniki, conditions will mirror those in other parts of the country, with increasing cloud cover leading to rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon when the phenomena are expected to intensify.
As the last Easter holidaymakers return to urban centers, the EMY has issued a forecast indicating that rain and thunderstorms will accompany their journey. The agency reported that strong winds are expected to sweep across the country, contributing to a drop in temperatures, particularly in northern regions.
On Monday, April 28, 2025, the weather is expected to improve in most areas, although some isolated showers may still linger in the Dodecanese and Crete. The forecast indicates that the winds will shift, blowing from the east at 4 to 6 Beaufort in western areas, while the Aegean will see winds from the north at 5 to 7 Beaufort, with local gusts reaching 8 Beaufort.
The temperature will also drop slightly in central and northern Greece, with highs of 18 to 19 degrees Celsius expected, while western areas may reach 22 to 23 degrees Celsius. The forecast for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, indicates generally fair weather across the mainland, although Evia and the Cyclades are likely to experience some cloud cover and showers. Crete and the Dodecanese will still see sporadic rain.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the weather is expected to remain fair across the mainland, with only occasional clouds. However, in the southern Aegean, increased cloudiness is anticipated, bringing local showers, particularly in Crete and the Dodecanese. The winds will continue from the east, shifting to the north in the afternoon, maintaining speeds of 4 to 6 Beaufort.
The final forecast for Thursday, May 1, 2025, suggests that while the weather will be generally good in most of the country, the Cyclades, Crete, and the Dodecanese will experience unstable conditions with rain and thunderstorms. The rest of the country is expected to enjoy fine weather, with northern winds blowing at 4 to 6 Beaufort, increasing to 5 to 7 Beaufort in the eastern regions and locally reaching 8 Beaufort in the Aegean.
As Greece gears up for the May Day holiday, residents and travelers alike are advised to stay informed about the weather conditions and to prepare accordingly for the unpredictable spring weather. With the potential for hail and thunderstorms, safety remains a priority for those planning outdoor activities or travel during this period.
