Greece is set for a sharp weather reversal over the May Day holiday, with forecasters warning of a temperature drop of up to 12 degrees Celsius and strong northerly winds sweeping across much of the country.
Meteorologist and former National Meteorological Service forecasting director Nikos Kanteres said a “Balkan front” will move into northern Greece on Thursday afternoon before spreading nationwide by Friday, May 1.
Mr. Kanteres said temperatures in Athens could fall from 26 C to 13 C, with even steeper drops expected in Thessaloniki.
“We are expecting a significant change starting midday Thursday,” Mr. Kanteres said.
He said the system would bring brief, light rain in parts of northern, central and eastern Greece, as well as the Aegean islands, while winds could reach 8 on the Beaufort scale.
The sudden shift is expected to give the holiday weekend an unusually autumn-like feel, though Mr. Kanteres said it should not pose major safety concerns. He described the system as ordinary in intensity and duration.
Conditions are expected to improve quickly from Saturday, with winds easing and sunshine returning by Sunday.
Warmer weather and clear skies should return to the mainland by Monday.
The change is likely to affect travelers and holiday outings, but forecasters said the weather system should pass without significant disruption.