A new round of deteriorating weather conditions is underway, with the second major weather system of September in full swing this Saturday, September 26, as heavy rain and thunderstorms spread across large parts of Greece. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued an Emergency Weather Bulletin with an orange warning, noting that the weather phenomena began in the northwest and are expected to be intense in places, with local hailstorms also possible. Speaking exclusively to parapolitika.gr, meteorologist Nikos Kanteres explains that this is the second significant weather change of the month, which will bring rainfall across a large part of the country before gradually moving away on Sunday.
Weather update: Rain across almost the entire country
As Kanteres explains, the weather deterioration began on the afternoon of Friday, September 25, starting from northwestern Greece and initially affecting Epirus and the northern Ionian Sea, before spreading southward overnight. On Saturday, September 26, rainfall is extending across nearly the entire country, with locally intense conditions and thunderstorms expected, primarily in the western regions. The experienced meteorologist describes this rainfall as particularly beneficial — much like the previous weather system — pointing out that significant rainfall totals were recorded in several areas.
EMY emergency bulletin: Where the strongest conditions are expected
According to the EMY emergency bulletin, conditions began deteriorating on Friday evening with heavy rain and thunderstorms in the northwest, along with the possibility of local hailstorms. For Saturday, September 26, locally severe weather is forecast across the remaining Ionian islands from the early morning hours through midday. The focus of the storm system then shifts toward the Peloponnese and Kythira, where the most intense conditions are expected between midday and the evening hours. EMY is calling for particular caution in Messinia, Lakonia, and eastern Arcadia. On Sunday, September 30, Euboea becomes the center of the strongest conditions, with rain and thunderstorms forecast from the early morning hours through midday.
Kanteres’ forecast for Athens
Rain is also expected in Athens throughout Saturday, with Kanteres noting that anyone who has planned outdoor events should take into account the possibility of weather disruptions, particularly during the afternoon hours. The previous weather system, however, did not cause significant problems in Athens, despite notable rainfall totals recorded in certain areas. Kanteres notes that the new rainfall is significant following the preceding dry period, though it remains to be seen whether it will be enough for September to approach normal precipitation levels across most of the country.
Improvement on Sunday – System moves away from Monday
From Sunday onwards, conditions are expected to gradually improve. According to Kanteres, a relative improvement in the weather is anticipated, with sunny intervals and significantly more limited weather phenomena. In fact, no new major weather change bringing significant conditions appears to be on the horizon for the final days of September.
Temperature drop – Single-digit overnight lows
A noticeable shift is also underway in temperatures. Kanteres points out that temperatures have already dropped below seasonal norms and are expected to remain relatively low over the coming days, even into the first days of October. The cold is most felt during nighttime and early morning hours, particularly when skies are clear. Single-digit minimum temperatures have already been recorded in several mainland areas, with the temperature drop being most pronounced in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions.
Up to 100–150mm of rainfall recorded in Kymi during the previous storm
Nikos Kanteres also makes special reference to the rainfall totals recorded during the previous weather system. As he notes, among the highest amounts of precipitation were recorded in Kymi, where rainfall reached approximately 100 to 150 millimeters.
