With his post on social media, Sakis Arnautoglou writes that on Thursday and Friday, a barometric low is expected, which with the help of the anticyclone in the west of Europe, it is not excluded that the bad weather will be felt in certain areas. The weather began to turn on Wednesday night due to the arrival of a low-pressure front which started from the Gulf of Sirte in Libya. It moved towards southwest Turkey and will affect the weather in Greece as well, according to the Meteo weather service. It will mainly impact the west and south of the country first, with localized showers, storms, gradually strengthening winds and a drop in temperature. A possible transfer of dust from North Africa on southern winds is not being ruled out. Prognosis of EMY Thursday 9-5-2024 In the Ionian and continental clouds temporarily increased with local rains and mainly in the midday and afternoon hours sporadic storms. In the evening in the northwest the phenomena will weaken. In the rest of the areas few clouds at times increased with a few local rains and possibly isolated storms. In the evening hours, the phenomena in the northwest Aegean will intensify. The winds will blow from east directions 3 to 5 and in the south local 6 Beaufort. In the evening in the west they will turn to north directions 3 to 5 Beaufort. The temperature will drop, mainly in the west and north. Friday 10-5-2024 In the west a few clouds in places increased in the continental areas where there will be local rains and isolated storms in the midday and afternoon hours. In the rest of the country, cloudiness at times increased with local rains and sporadic storms. In the evening, the phenomena will weaken and will be limited to the north and east of the Aegean.

In particular, according to the forecast of the EMY, on Easter Sunday rains are predicted in the central and southern Aegean, Evia and temporary in the easternmost parts of Thessaly and eastern Sterea.   Detailed weather forecast from EMY FORECAST FOR HOLY THURSDAY 05-02-2024 Unsettled weather with local rains and short-lived storms in western and northern mainland Greece. Winds to the west will be westerly 3 to 5 Beaufort. In the east they will blow from north directions 3 to 5 and in the south locally up to 6 Beaufort, turning degrees to the west with the same intensity. The temperature will not change appreciably. It will reach 22 to 24 degrees on the islands and 25 to 27 degrees Celsius on the mainland. MACEDONIA, THRACE Weather: In Macedonia temporarily increased cloudiness with local rains and mainly in the mountains rains or temporary storms in the midday and afternoon hours. In Thrace, local clouds with a few rains from midday. Winds: Variable 2 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, in western Macedonia 2 to 3 degrees lower. IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIROS, WEST STEREA, WEST PELOPONNISOS Weather: Clouds at intervals increased with rains and sporadic storms on the mainland. Rapid improvement in the Ionian Islands and from the afternoon also in the rest of the areas. Winds: West 3 to 5 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 26 degrees Celsius. EASTERN STEREA, EVIA, EASTERN PELOPONNISOS Weather: Cloudy with local rains mainly in central Sterea and eastern Peloponnese and from the afternoon almost clear. Winds: Variable 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 27 degrees Celsius. CYCLADES, CRETE Weather: Temporarily increased clouds with local rains mainly in the Cyclades and soon almost clear. Winds: Northerly 3 to 5 and gradually westerly 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. EAST AEGEAN ISLANDS - DODECANISE Weather: Almost clear with temporary clouds in the morning in the south. Winds: North northwest 3 to 5 and south 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 14 to 24 degrees Celsius. THESSALY Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased mainly in the afternoon - afternoon with local rains of short duration. Winds: Variable 2 to 3 and in the Sporades southeast 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 12 to 26 degrees Celsius. ATTICA Weather: Generally sunny with a few temporary clouds in the midday hours. Winds: Variable 2 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 26 degrees Celsius. THESSALONIKI Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased. Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in the midday and afternoon hours. Winds: From south directions 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 12 to 24 degrees Celsius FORECAST FOR GOOD FRIDAY 05-03-2024 In the west, the center and the north, clouds are forecast temporarily increased with local rains. Isolated storms will occur in the north and temporary in the west and sporadic in the continental northeast, mainly mountainous. Gradual improvement from the afternoon and from the west in most of the country, while in the evening the effects will be limited to the northeast where they will gradually weaken. In the rest of the country generally clear weather. Visibility in the morning hours in the western continental areas will be locally limited. The winds will blow from western directions, in the north 3 to 5 Beaufort, in the central and south 4 to 6 and gradually in the southern Aegean up to 7 Beaufort. The temperature will drop slightly in the west and north and will reach 21 to 23 degrees in the north, 23 to 25 in the rest of the country and 26 to 27 degrees Celsius in the eastern mainland and locally in Crete. FORECAST FOR HOLY SATURDAY 04-05-2024 Initially in the west, the center and the north and gradually in the rest of the country, clouds are predicted temporarily increased with local rains and mainly in the east isolated storms. In the evening the phenomena in the west and gradually in the north will weaken and from late at night they will stop. The winds will blow west northwest and in the north north northwest, 4 to 6 and in the southern seas locally 7 Beaufort. The temperature will drop slightly, mainly in the east and south. FORECAST FOR EASTER SUNDAY 05-05-2024 In the central and southern Aegean, Evia and temporarily in the easternmost parts of Thessaly and eastern Sterea, clouds are predicted with local rains and isolated storms. The phenomena will quickly weaken from midday and will be limited to Crete, while in the rest of the regions the weather will improve. In the rest of the country, almost clear weather with a few clouds temporarily increased hours in the midday and afternoon in the continental areas, with local rains or showers mainly in the northern highlands. Winds will blow from north directions 4 to 6 and in the Aegean locally up to 7 Beaufort, with gradual weakening in the west and north. The temperature will rise, mainly in the west. FORECAST FOR EASTER MONDAY 06-05-2024 Generally clear weather and only on the mainland in the midday and afternoon hours clouds will develop mainly in the mountains, where there will be local showers and possibly isolated storms. Winds in the west and north will be variable 3 to 4 while in the rest of the country they will blow from north directions 4 to 6 Beaufort. The temperature will rise slightly across the country.

Strong southerly winds carried the dust from the Sahara Desert, giving the atmosphere of the Greek capital a Martian-like filter in the last hours of daylight. The skies are predicted to clear on Wednesday as winds shift and move the dust, with temperatures dipping. On Tuesday, the daily high in parts of the southern island of Crete topped 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), more than 20 degrees C higher than what was registered in much of northern Greece. The strong southerly winds over the past few days have also fanned unseasonal early wildfires in the country’s south. The fire service said Tuesday evening that a total 25 wildfires broke out across the country in the past 24 hours. Three people were arrested on the Aegean Sea resort island of Paros on suspicion of accidentally starting a scrub blaze on Monday, it added. No significant damage or injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly contained. Another blaze that broke out on Crete near a naval base was brought under control Tuesday. Greece suffers devastating, and often deadly, forest blazes every summer, and last year the country recorded the European Union’s largest wildfire in more than two decades. Persistent drought combined with high spring temperatures has raised fears of a particularly challenging period for firefighters in the coming months.  

According to the prognostic data of meteo.gr/National Observatory of Athens, today, in addition to the greatly increased concentrations of dust that will limit visibility, mud showers are also expected to occur, mainly in the north and west of the country. On Wednesday, the turn of the winds to the west will result in the limitation of dust in the Dodecanese and its progressive removal to the east. With the increased concentration levels of African dust in our country and the phenomenon occurring more and more frequently and longer in duration, the Hellenic Pulmonology Society is analyzing the data in an effort to understand its effect on health, while at the same time advancing recommendations for protection. According to pulmonologists, people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable during periods of increased dust levels and this is reflected in increased hospital admissions.

As he says in his post, the "polar storm" will also bring snow to the mountains and heavy rains. In detail, the post of the meteorologist is as follows: "Good morning! "The polar jet stream is displacing dust and dropping temperatures by 10 degrees! Also bringing snow to the mountains and heavy rain Friday-Saturday." Today is the last day with dust, with the mud rains keeping us busy until the evening mainly in the western and northern country. Thursday 18/4 is a transitional day. Local rainfall will occur in the west, north and east of the island country and the temperature will drop 4 to 5 degrees. However, on Friday and Saturday the "atmospheric river" (aerohemarros) - image - located high in the atmosphere will descend to more southern latitudes and will change the weather in the country with rain, storms, further drop in temperature and even snow!" Specifically: On Friday 19/4, large amounts of rain are expected in western and northern Greece, some snow at high altitudes (1400 m) and a drop in temperature. On Saturday 20/4 the most rains (locally heavy) will occur in the morning hours in Thessaly, the Sporades, Macedonia, Thrace, the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese. Strong north winds will also blow. On Sunday 21/4 a second disturbance will create milder phenomena in central and northern Greece.  

However, anticipate a gradual weakening of the winds as we move into the evening. Temperatures will be on the higher side for this time of year. In the Ionian and mainland regions, temperatures will soar to a warm 30 to 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the eastern islands, temperatures will hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Expect generally sunny weather throughout the day. Winds in the Aegean will pick up, blowing at speeds of 5 to 7 Beaufort, with occasional gusts reaching 8 Beaufort in southern areas. However, anticipate a gradual weakening of the winds as we move into the evening. Temperatures will be on the higher side for this time of year. In the Ionian and mainland regions, temperatures will soar to a warm 30 to 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the eastern islands, temperatures will hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.

From December to February, the average peak temperature was 11.3 degrees Celsius (52.3 Farenheit), 1.8 degrees above the average top winter temperatures from 1960-2024, soaring as much as 7-8 degrees higher in some parts of northern Greece, according to the National Observatory of Athens, which analyzed data by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Indeed, it was the warmest winter since records began in 1936, and follows a trend: 6 of Greece's balmiest winters have been recorded in the last 10 years. "Temperatures were above normal on most days, with only small intervals of cold weather," Konstantinos Lagouvardos, research director at the national observatory, told Reuters. "This is a new reality and we must take it seriously. Climate change is undoubtedly here." The data is a concern for Greece, which is one of the most climate-impacted countries in Europe, where wildfires killed at least 20 people last summer. In the autumn, torrential record-breaking rains wiped out homes, cattlelands and crops, raising concerns about the continent's fragile climate defences. The country's ski resorts saw lower-than-usual snowfall this winter. The warm weather may be adverse news for farmers, too, whose crops, including Greece's famed olives, benefit from cold winters and a flowering season in spring. "The lack of a proper winter will create problems for sure," because the trees are flowering too soon, said Michalis Antonopoulos, head of the farmers' cooperative of Kalamata, the main producer of Greek olive oil. Globally too, last year was the planet's hottest on record and likely in the last 100,000 years, according to Copernicus. Scientists said the warm winter in Greece, together with low rainfall and low humidity, could mean more wildfires in the summer. Such blazes are frequent in Greece but have been made worse in recent years because of extreme heat that scientists link to climate change. "Of course this raises the risk," said Christos Zerefos, a leading climate expert and head of Greece's Research Center for Atmospheric Physics and Climatology. "From now on, every month that comes, every winter that comes, will be the warmest ever," Zerefos said.  

The phenomenon is expected to persist on Thursday. The quantities of Saharan dust will be biggest in western and southern parts of the country. The dust cloud has significantly reduced visibility in large parts of the country, including the capital Athens. The southern island of Crete was particularly hard hit, with western areas reporting airborne dust levels exceeding 50 µg/m³. Local health authorities have advised individuals with respiratory issues, young children, and the elderly to limit outdoor activities. Meteorologists forecast that conditions will begin to improve from Friday onwards.

General characteristics In the northern mainland and the Aegean, rains and sporadic storms strong in places until the morning hours. In the rest of the areas, a few clouds temporarily increasing with local rains until the afternoon. From the evening the weather improved throughout the country. Locally limited visibility in the west during the evening hours. Meteorological conditions favor the transport of African dust mainly to the southeast. Winds until the morning hours will be variable 3 to 4 Beaufort, while the eastern island country will blow southeast 4 to 6 Beaufort. Westerly winds will gradually prevail, up to 6 Beaufort in the southern seas. The temperature will not change appreciably. It will reach 14 to 17 degrees in the north and 17 to 19 degrees Celsius in the rest.   MACEDONIA, THRACE Weather: In western Macedonia a few clouds temporarily increased mainly in the afternoon-afternoon with local rains. In the rest of the areas increased clouds with local rains and sporadic storms. The phenomena which until the morning in central and eastern Macedonia will be strong in places, will gradually weaken from the west. Winds: Variable 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 10 to 17 degrees Celsius. In western Macedonia it will be 3 to 4 degrees lower.   IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIROS, WEST STEREA, WEST PELOPONNISOS Weather: A few clouds at times increased with local rain and possibly isolated storms, in the morning hours in the Ionian and in the afternoon-afternoon in the continental. Winds: Variable light and gradually from west directions 3 to 4, in the south to 5 Beaufort. Temperature: From 09 to 17 degrees Celsius. In the interior of Epirus it will be 3 to 4 degrees lower.   EASTERN STEREA, EVIA, EASTERN PELOPONNISOS Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased, with a chance of local rain until the afternoon. Winds: Variable light and gradually westerly 3 to 5, locally south to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 09 to 18 degrees Celsius.   CYCLADES, CRETE Weather: Temporarily increased clouds with local rains and sporadic storms mainly in the midday and afternoon hours. Gradual improvement from afternoon. Winds: From west directions 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.   EAST AEGEAN ISLANDS - DODECANISE Weather: Temporarily increased clouds with local rains and sporadic storms strong in places until the morning hours. Improvement in the evening. Winds: In the islands of the eastern Aegean, southeast 4 to 5, gradually turning to westerlies 3 to 4 Beaufort. In the Dodecanese southeast 4 to 6 Beaufort and gradually west northwest with the same intensity. Temperature: From 12 to 19 degrees Celsius.   THESSALY Weather: A few temporarily increased clouds, with a few local rains mainly in the afternoon hours. Winds: Changeable conditions and in the Sporades temporary west northwest up to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 10 to 16 degrees Celsius.   ATTICA Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased, with a chance of local rain until the afternoon. Winds: Variable light and gradually westerly to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 17 degrees Celsius.   THESSALONIKI Weather: Increased clouds with local rains, temporarily strong until the morning hours in the eastern parts of the prefecture. Winds: Northwest 3 to 4 Beaufort and gradually variable winds. Temperature: From 11 to 17 degrees Celsius.   FORECAST FOR SUNDAY 03-03-2024 A few clouds temporarily increasing until the afternoon. Local rains or showers will occur in the morning hours in the eastern Aegean islands and Thrace and in the afternoon-afternoon possibly in the western, central and northern continental areas. Visibility in the morning and evening hours will be locally limited. Meteorological conditions favor the transport of African dust mainly in the central and southern regions. Winds to the south will blow from westerly directions 3 to 5 Beaufort with gradual weakening from noon. In the rest of the country, 3 to 4 Beaufort will be variable and from midday they will blow from southerly directions with the same intensity. The temperature will not change appreciably. It will reach 14 to 16 degrees in the northern continents, 17 to 19 degrees in the rest of the continents and 20 degrees Celsius in places in the island country.

The intense phenomena that will start from the west will quickly spread to the central and eastern mainland, the Cyclades and Crete and gradually to the islands of the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese. The phenomena will be accompanied by strengthened southeasterly winds up to 7 and locally in the Ionian 8 Beaufort and possibly by hail. Which areas will be affected and when? On Sunday (25-02-24) heavy rains and storms are predicted from the evening hours in the Ionian Islands, the western and southern Peloponnese and western Crete. On Monday (26-02-24): It will rain from the early morning hours in central Macedonia, Thessaly (mainly the east), eastern Sterea (temporarily including Attica), the Cyclades, Crete (mainly the south) and temporarily in western Macedonia and the Peloponnese with gradual weakening of the phenomena from the afternoon. From the midday hours, the islands of the eastern Aegean (from Chios and further south) and the Dodecanese will be affected. On Tuesday (27-02-24): The intense effects will be maintained in the southern regions of the Dodecanese and will gradually weaken by noon.

The temperatures, however, according to Mr. Arniakos, will not drop much, they will drop a bit due to the cloudiness, but due to the southerlies they will remain at 15-16 degrees Celsius, more reminiscent of October and November than February. In particular, things change from tonight, as bad weather is coming from the west and mainly from the northern Ionian and Epirus, with rains and storms that will gradually spread over almost the entire country tomorrow Sunday, after today's 20s which we had in Crete, Central Greece and Peloponnese. Where the phenomena will be intense "The most difficult day will be Monday, where the rains and storms will be universal, while the strongest effects will be in the west, the Ionian, Epirus, Aetoloakarnania, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Thrace, the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean but also the Dodecanese, emphasizes the meteorologist. In the rest of the regions we will have rain and temporary storms, including in Attica, which is determined from Sunday night until shortly before noon on Monday. "The phenomena in Attica will be temporary, they will not last more than two or three hours and slowly the weather will improve from noon on Monday", he adds. Very strong southerlies up to 9 Beaufort - Ships tied up in ports A key element will also be the very strong south winds, notes Mr. Arniakos, which will reach 7 to 8 Beaufort, even 9 Beaufort is not excluded, pinning the ships in the ports. In addition, a few snows will fall at high altitudes, due to the south winds, in the mountains of Epirus and Western Macedonia, and then also in the mountains of Central Greece, without, however, substantial difficulty, neither in the movements nor in the temperatures, concludes the meteorologist in CNN Greece. Meteo's forecast Hail, African dust, gusty winds and heavy rain are expected to be the main weather features from tomorrow, Sunday (11/02), according to Meteo. The "express" bad weather will start with rain in areas of Western and Northern Greece. In the afternoon, the phenomena in the northwest will intensify and locally strong storms will occur, while until the evening the weather will show a similar deterioration in the Ionian Islands, the western mainland, Eastern Macedonia, Thrace and parts of the Peloponnese. From late evening, the Central and Eastern Continent will be affected, including Attica and Evia. On Monday 12/2 the strong phenomena which will initially affect several areas, will progressively be located mainly in the north-eastern country (with high levels of rain), in the islands of the Eastern Aegean and in parts of the Cyclades and from the evening in the Dodecanese. Also, rains and storms will continue until the afternoon in places in Western Greece. Southeasterly winds of 7-8 Beaufort will blow in the Aegean, but after noon they will show a progressive weakening and turn to the southwest. African dust concentrations will remain elevated. The EMY Emergency Bulletin The EMY issued an emergency bulletin, stating that heavy rains and storms are going to follow the spring landscape from noon on Sunday. In particular, a worsening of the weather with heavy rains and storms is predicted in most parts of the country from the early afternoon of Sunday (11/2) until the evening of Monday (12/02). The intense phenomena that will start from the northwest will gradually extend to the rest of the west, the northeast mainland, the islands of the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese, while parts of the central country will also be temporarily affected. The winds in the seas will be strong and will reach 7 to 8 and locally in the Aegean 9 Beaufort. In detail, heavy rains are expected on Sunday: From midday hours in the northern Ionian and Epirus. From the afternoon hours in the southern Ionian, western Sterea, eastern Macedonia and Thrace. From the evening hours in the western and possibly the southern Peloponnese. On Monday are expected: In places in the early hours of the morning in Ionia, Epirus, western Sterea and western Peloponnese, with a rapid weakening of the phenomena from the north. From the early hours of the morning in the eastern parts of central Macedonia, eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with a gradual weakening of the phenomena from noon. Partly cloudy in the early morning hours in eastern Peloponnese, eastern Sterea (including Attica) and southern Evia. In the morning hours, it is possible that the northern Cyclades will also be temporarily affected. From the morning hours on the islands of the eastern Aegean. The intense effects from the afternoon will be limited to the southernmost parts and will gradually weaken. From the afternoon in the Dodecanese. During the night to Tuesday the strong effects will be limited to the area of Kastellorizos and will gradually weaken. Stormy southerlies will blow from the early hours of Sunday (11-02-24): In the Aegean with intensity 7 to 8 and temporarily up to 9 Beaufort. From midday on Monday, the stormy winds will be limited to the Dodecanese region and will gradually weaken. In the Ionian Sea with an intensity of 7 to 8 Beaufort and gradual weakening from the midday hours of Sunday.