UK holidaymakers visiting Greece have been warned to 'be prepared' as a series of weather alerts have been issued. Several amber and yellow weather alerts are in force across parts of Greece, according to the Hellenic National Meteorological Agency.
Amber and Yellow Alerts in Force
An amber alert means 'be prepared', with the full description reading: "BE PREPARED, take precautions based on the latest weather reports. Wait and prepare as some effects on daily and outdoor activities are expected." A less severe yellow alert means: "GET UPDATED, with the latest weather reports. Some minor impacts to outdoor activities are expected."
On Friday, June 19, two amber marine gale warnings are in force: one in Crete and the other in the Aegean Sea. Additionally, seven yellow warnings for thunderstorms are active across East Makedonia, Central Makedonia, West Makedonia, Thessalia, Epirus, West Sterea, and West Peloponnisos until 9pm. The warning states: "Locally thunderstorms. BE AWARE that thunderstorms may occur. Take extra care in exposed areas, like mountains, forest and open terrain. Disruption to outdoor activities is possible."
The agency describes these thunderstorms as 'likely' and 'expected', meaning a probability of up to 50% and that responsive action should be taken within the next hour. No red alerts are currently in force; a red alert would indicate that people should take precautions and expect significant impacts on daily activities.
Heatwave Across Europe
This comes as large parts of Europe are expected to be hit with a heatwave, driven by a strong area of high pressure over continental Europe. The Met Office explains that this high pressure promotes widespread sinking air, which suppresses cloud formation, allows prolonged sunshine, and leads to increasing temperatures through compressional heating. Temperatures across much of central and western Europe will rise steadily, pushing well beyond seasonal norms, with many areas expected to reach around 10°C above average for mid-June.
Over the weekend, most of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands have been hit with yellow or amber extreme heat warnings. Amber alerts signifying 'major risk' are in force in parts of Mallorca, and in areas in Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Madrid, and the Basque Country on Sunday, June 21.
