Greece Advises Tourists to Prepare for Extreme Weather

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Tourists planning to visit Greece this weekend are being urged to take precautions as the national weather service, EMY, has issued an emergency bulletin warning of violent lightning storms expected to impact most regions of the country. The storms, accompanied by heavy rains, strong winds, and occasional hail, are set to affect areas across mainland Greece, including Epirus, Central Greece, the Peloponnese, and Central Macedonia.

The weather is forecasted to worsen on Friday, extending to the Ionian Islands, Attica, Evia, the Sporades Islands, Thessaly, and additional parts of Macedonia. The adverse conditions are expected to persist through Saturday.

Temperatures will see a slight decrease, ranging between 31 to 33 degrees Celsius on the mainland, the Ionian and Dodecanese islands, and Crete, while other regions will experience temperatures around 28-30 degrees Celsius.

In addition to the immediate weather threats, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) has also alerted travelers that Greece is likely to experience an unusually warm autumn, with temperatures expected to be up to two degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm from September through November.

The UK Foreign Office has reiterated its advice to travelers heading to Greece, particularly highlighting the risks of wildfires, which have been a significant concern this summer. The office warned that wildfires in Greece are “highly dangerous and unpredictable,” and travelers should remain vigilant and prepared to act swiftly if necessary.

Firefighters in Greece have already dealt with several large wildfires this year, including a recent blaze north of Athens that destroyed an area almost twice the size of Manhattan. The fires have led to the destruction of homes and the tragic loss of life.

Tourists are advised to avoid actions that could inadvertently start wildfires, such as leaving litter or improperly extinguishing cigarettes. The Foreign Office emphasized that causing a wildfire, even unintentionally, is a criminal offense in Greece, punishable by law. Anyone who notices a fire is urged to contact emergency services immediately by dialing 112.

As the weather remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous, travelers should stay informed and follow guidance from local authorities and their respective governments.