A powerful cold front sweeping down from the Balkans will bring severe storms, plunging temperatures and near-gale-force winds to Greece over the May Day weekend, threatening to disrupt holiday travel and ferry services across the Aegean.
Meteorologists warn that maximum temperatures could drop by as much as 13 degrees Celsius on Friday compared to Thursday's highs — a dramatic seasonal reversal that forecasters are describing as fall-like conditions in the middle of spring.
Winds are expected to reach force 9 on the Beaufort scale in the Aegean, a level that typically triggers port bans and suspends ferry departures.
Prominent meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis said the instability is driven by cold air masses descending from the north and warned that travelers heading to the islands should expect significant disruption on Saturday and Sunday.
"This could heavily affect movements at the ports," Mr. Marousakis said, adding that snow remains possible in mountainous regions of the mainland.
By Saturday, conditions are expected to split the country in two: clearing skies in the west and north, while the east and south remain in the grip of fierce northerly winds and persistent rain.
Civil protection authorities urged citizens to monitor local forecasts closely, particularly in areas prone to flash flooding and sudden storms.
May Day traditionally draws large crowds to outdoor celebrations and marks the start of one of Greece's busiest travel weekends.