Southern Europe: Adverse weather forecast across Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia through at least June 10

Event

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across much of Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia through at least June 10. Greece's Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an Extraordinary Weather Deterioration Bulletin warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, accompanied by possible lightning, strong winds, and hail, predominantly across mainland Greece June 6-10. Thunderstorm activity is expected to be most prevalent in the afternoon hours. The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS) has issued weather warnings across Serbia and Kosovo June 6 and 8, with warnings only covering western Serbia and Kosovo June 7. North Macedonia's Hydrometeorological Service has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms and torrential downpours across most of the country June 6-10. The storms may be accompanied by strong winds, hail, lightning, and declining temperatures.

As of June 6, authorities have issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Orange thunderstorm warnings: Central, East, and West Macedonia, East and West Peloponnese, Thessaly, East Sterea and Evia, West Sterea, Thrace, and Epirus regions in Greece; Kosovo; and Western Serbia, Sumadija, Pomoravlje, Eastern Serbia, Southeast Serbia, and Southwest Serbia regions in Serbia.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Central, East, and West Macedonia, East Peloponnese, and Thessaly regions in Greece; and Banat, Western Serbia, Sumadija, Pomoravlje, Eastern Serbia, Southeast Serbia, and Southwest Serbia regions in Serbia.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Attica Region in Greece; and Backa, Banat, Belgrade, and Srem regions in Serbia.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

MeteoAlarm
Hellenic National Meteorological Service
Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMS)
North Macedonia Hydrometeolrogical Service