The weather is set to deteriorate sharply this Friday, 24 July, shifting abruptly from recent heatwave conditions to intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and lightning across multiple regions of Greece.
Emergency Weather Warning Issued
Greece’s National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued an urgent weather alert, warning of severe storms expected from Friday 24 July through Saturday 25 July. The alert follows a meeting of the Risk Assessment Committee convened by Nikos Papaeustathiou, Secretary General for Civil Protection.
What to Expect
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast nationwide, with phenomena locally accompanied by strong gusty winds (squalls), frequent lightning, and possible hail showers.
Most Affected Areas on Friday
According to EMY scientists, the strongest weather events on Friday will hit:
- The Sporades islands
- Central and northern Evia
- Coastal areas of the regional units of Larissa and Magnesia
- Imathia, Pieria, Attica, Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Phthiotis, and southern Evia
In Attica specifically, rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and evening.
Saturday Outlook
By Saturday, activity will be largely confined to the Aegean Sea — particularly intense in the Sporades, northern and northeastern Aegean, including Thasos, Lemnos, and Samothrace.
Red Code Activated for 11 Regions
In response to the EMY’s Emergency Bulletin on Dangerous Weather Phenomena (EDFDP) and the Risk Assessment Committee’s evaluation, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed 11 regions under Red Code — its highest alert level — effective Friday 24 July:
- Attica Region
- Regional Units of Thessaloniki, Pieria, Imathia, and Chalkidiki (Central Macedonia)
- Regional Units of Larissa and Magnesia — including the Sporades (Thessaly)
- Sterea Ellada Region
- Regional Units of Thasos and Evros (including Samothrace island) (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace)
- Regional Unit of Lemnos (North Aegean)
National Response Underway
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has activated Greece’s national civil protection mechanism in full. This includes mobilising personnel, equipment, and resources needed for emergency preparedness, rapid response, and managing the consequences of potential disasters. Immediate restoration, support, and relief actions are also being coordinated to mitigate impacts.
Local municipalities and regional authorities in the affected areas have been instructed to convene their Local and Regional Operational Coordination Bodies for Civil Protection (TEOSOP and PEOSOP) without delay.