Greece's brief early-summer warmth gives way Thursday to a ten-day stretch of afternoon thunderstorms, localised hail and potential flooding across the north and centre of the country, as clashing air masses signal a sharp return to volatile spring conditions.
Meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis said a collision of cooler northern air with warmer seasonal temperatures will trigger intense afternoon instability from Thursday through the third week of May.
Thessaly, Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace face the most exposure; mountainous areas around Thessaloniki can expect daily thunderstorm development after noon.
Mr. Marousakis warned that while individual storms may be brief, they can be intense — bringing heavy lightning and hail. Temperatures will hold near seasonal averages of 24°C to 27°C despite the unsettled skies.
In Athens, strong westerly winds of up to force 6 on Wednesday prompted road safety advisories.Authorities have placed municipal services on standby for flood management in high-risk zones through the third week of May.
Citizens in northern and central Greece were urged to stay alert during afternoon hours when storm activity will peak.