The heat is receding, but another danger is coming: showers, thunderstorms and meltemi up to 8 points

The weather in Greece is changing: after hot days, the temperature will begin to gradually decrease, but at the same time the instability of the atmosphere will increase. Inland areas are expected to experience localized showers and thunderstorms, with local hail and high electrical activity, while in the Aegean Sea meltemi northerly winds could reach force 7-8.

According to National Meteorological Service of Greece, ΕΜΥon Saturday, July 4, precipitation and thunderstorms are most likely in the Ionian Sea, the mainland and the Sporades.

The most noticeable atmospheric instability is expected in the northern, central and mountainous regions of the country. Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, Euboea, the interior of the Peloponnese, as well as certain mountainous areas of Crete are under the threat of localized showers and thunderstorms.

The heat will subside, but it will be far from cool

Temperatures will begin to decrease primarily in western, central and northern Greece. However, this does not mean that the country will suddenly turn into Iceland, which is probably what some would have already demanded after the last few days of the heat wave.

In mainland areas, the thermometer can still rise to 35–38 degrees. In Athens, temperatures are expected to reach around 34 degrees on Friday, with a chance of thunderstorms on Saturday, with a high of around 32 degrees. In Thessaloniki the heat will be felt more intensely: up to 35 degrees on Friday and about 34 degrees on Saturday.

Thunderstorms, hail and lightning danger

The most active phenomena are expected in the afternoon and afternoon hours, when warmed land creates conditions for the rapid development of cumulonimbus clouds. Short-term but intense downpours, hail and frequent lightning are possible in some areas.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms is already in effect for Central Macedonia until Friday evening. Authorities recommend increased caution in open areas, mountains, near water and forested areas where thunderstorm activity is especially dangerous.

Meltemi up to 8 points and risk of fires

By the weekend, the main factor will be not only temperature, but also wind. In the Aegean Sea, northern and northeastern winds will increase to 7 points, in some places up to 8 points. This is especially true of the Cyclades, Euboea, the Cavo Doro region, eastern Attica, eastern Peloponnese, Crete and Karpathos.

Meteorologist Clearchos Marousakis previously warned that meltemis up to magnitude 8 could markedly increase the risk of wildfires spreading rapidly, especially in dry areas with high temperatures and low humidity. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Strong winds simultaneously provide a feeling of relief from the heat and create an extremely unpleasant combination for fire safety: dry vegetation, gusts of wind and any spark that someone decides to leave unattended.

What happens next

On Sunday, July 5, the weather will improve in most areas, although localized precipitation and isolated thunderstorms are still possible during the day in the eastern mainland and the Peloponnese. The wind in the eastern and southern regions will remain at 5–7 points, in some places in the Aegean Sea up to 8 points. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

From the beginning of next week, meltemi, according to preliminary forecasts, will begin to weaken, and the temperature will gradually rise. That is, the Greek summer simply takes a short pause between two ways to remind people that the sun and wind can be more than just decorative elements on tourist postcards.

Sources: ΕΜΥdata from meteorological services, forecast by Clearhos Marousakis. The forecast may be updated as models are updated.

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