Greece is set to feel more like summer than spring in the coming days, as unusually warm weather drives temperatures well above seasonal averages and close to 32°C (89.6°F) by Monday, May 11.
According to the latest forecast, sunshine and steadily rising temperatures will dominate across most of the country. African dust currently affecting air quality is expected to gradually clear, while isolated showers and thunderstorms will mainly affect northern and mountainous regions during the weekend.
Greece sees rising temperatures, African dust and local showers
Today, Saturday, May 9, central and northern Greece, along with parts of western Greece, are expected to see periods of cloud cover, local rain showers and isolated thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon.
Most other areas of the country will remain largely sunny, with only temporary clouds. African dust will continue to affect air quality, while visibility may be locally reduced early in the morning because of mist or fog.
Winds will initially blow from southern directions before gradually shifting to northwesterly later in the day.
Temperatures are expected to rise noticeably across Greece. Northern areas will see highs between 22°C (71,6 °F) and 25°C (77°F), while most other regions will range from 24°C (75,2°F) to 27°C (80,6°F). Parts of mainland Greece, Crete and the Dodecanese islands could reach 28°C to 29°C.
Athens and Thessaloniki forecast for today
Athens is expected to remain mostly sunny today, with temperatures ranging from 14°C (57,2 °F) to 26°C (78,8°F) and locally reaching 27°C (80,6°F).
A small chance of brief light showers is forecast in eastern and southern parts of Attica during the warmest part of the day.
In Thessaloniki, partly sunny conditions and occasional cloud cover are expected, with local showers mainly in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 12°C (53,6°F) to 23°C (73,4°F).
Temperatures to rise further on Sunday
Sunny weather is expected to prevail across Greece on Sunday, May 10, with only temporary cloud development over mountainous inland areas.
African dust is forecast to gradually move away from the country, while temperatures will continue to climb and remain above normal levels for this time of year.
Most regions are expected to record highs between 26°C (78,8°F) and 28°C (82,4°F), while inland areas could approach 30°C (86°F).
Temperatures in Greece could reach 32°C on Monday
The warmest conditions are forecast for Monday, May 11, when temperatures in mainland Greece and Crete may climb to 31°C (87,8°F) or even 32°C (89,6°F).
Weather conditions are expected to remain mostly clear across the country, although isolated local showers may develop in mountainous parts of northern and central Greece during the afternoon.
Meteorologists say temperatures will remain significantly above the early May average, creating conditions more typical of summer than spring.
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