Greece issues urgent alert as tourists warned hail and huge storm to hit

Greece is likely to be battered by heavy rainfall as authorities issue an emergency weather bulletin warning with reports of storms, hail, and lightning continuing through to Saturday.

Data from the Meteo network of weather stations at the Athens Observatory indicated significant rainfall in Athens by 3 pm with the heaviest precipitation recorded in the central and northern areas of the Athens basin. 

Measurements from 70 Meteo stations across the capital reported the following rainfall levels: 39 mm in Vrilissia, 37 mm in Patissia, 29 mm in Maroussi, and 24 mm in Metamorfosi.

Experts warn that Saturday will not be clear, with forecasts predicting continued heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, a high frequency of lightning strikes, localized hail, and potentially very strong winds.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) explained: “The atmospheric conditions over the Eastern Mediterranean are unusual for this time of year.

“In particular, a Cold Lake, a detached mass of cold air, is affecting our region. Significant rainfall is expected across the Balkans, southern Italy, and Turkey until Saturday, August 31, 2024.”

It’s important to note that the Cold Lake effect creates atmospheric conditions that are extremely challenging for forecast models to predict accurately, leading to uncertainty about which areas will experience the heaviest rainfall.

The weather is expected to affect the mainland, the Ionian Sea, the Northern Aegean, and possibly the mountainous areas of Crete. 

Intense storms and hail may occur in mountainous regions of the mainland. Coastal areas and beaches, particularly in the Ionian and Northern Aegean, are being cautioned due to potential brief downpours. These extreme weather conditions are expected to ease by early Saturday evening.

Rain and localised storms are anticipated in Thessaloniki and primarily in western and northern Attica. Temperatures will range from 33 to 35C in continental areas and 31 to 34C on the islands.

Sea winds will generally remain below 4 to 5 on the Beaufort scale, but strong gusts are expected during storms.

In Greece, the presence of cold air masses above warm surfaces creates instability, particularly over continental areas in the afternoon, which promotes storm development. 

The risk of flooding is heightened due to the predicted intensity of rainfall and a large number of electrical discharges.