Heavy rain, hail and frequent lightning hit northern and central Greece, EMY issues orange alert
The National Meteorological Service (EMY) warned of severe weather on Friday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and frequent lightning hitting northern and central regions of the country.
Emergency bulletin
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued an updated emergency weather deterioration bulletin on Friday 12 June 2026, placing several regions under an orange alert. The warning covers Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus, eastern Sterea, the Sporades islands, Evia and Thrace. Locally heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected, accompanied by temporary strong winds (squalls), high lightning frequency and possible local hail.
Storm impacts
By midday Friday, the storms had already begun. In Attica, a thunderstorm with heavy lightning was underway in the northeast of the prefecture, with the Phyli rain gauge recording up to 50 mm of rain by 15:00. The storm later spread to Ano Liosia and Thrakomakedones. In Larissa and Thiva, hail was reported, covering roads and surfaces. Kozani experienced minor disruptions.
Forecast timeline
The EMY detailed the timing of the severe weather. Macedonia was hit from pre-midday to evening, with Halkidiki and eastern Macedonia seeing continuation into early Saturday. Thessaly and the mountainous areas of Epirus were affected from midday to evening. In eastern Sterea, the phenomena started in the afternoon and lasted into the evening. The Sporades and Evia were forecast to see storms from Friday evening through Saturday pre-midday. Thrace was to be affected from Friday afternoon until Saturday morning.
- Macedonia: heavy rain and thunderstorms begin (pre-midday hours)
- Thessaly and Epirus mountains: storms start (midday)
- Eastern Sterea and Thrace: storms start (afternoon)
- Sporades and Evia: storms begin in the evening
- Halkidiki and eastern Macedonia: phenomena continue into early Saturday
Saturday outlook
In Attica, a second wave of instability is expected towards the early hours of Saturday, bringing local showers that will persist until midday, mainly in the north and east. Winds, initially light to moderate at around 4 Beaufort, will strengthen to 6–7 Beaufort by evening. Maximum temperatures dropped to 26–29°C in most areas, locally up to 32°C in eastern mainland and the southern Aegean. Authorities in Central Macedonia and Thessaly remain on alert, advising residents to follow official announcements and take self-protection measures.
