Understanding Public Perception of Weather Forecasts in Greece: Quality, Trust, and Media Dynamics

Weather forecasts are among the most frequently used scientific services by the general public. They influence everyday decisions and play a key role in preparing for and responding to hazardous weather events. In recent years, the fast growth of digital media and social networks has noticeably changed the way weather information is produced, shared, and consumed. This new information landscape raises important questions about how the public evaluates the quality, reliability, and clarity of meteorological forecasts.

This study presents the results of a nationwide public survey carried out in 2024 by the Hellenic Meteorological Society. Its purpose was to examine how weather forecasts are communicated and how they are understood and used in Greece. The survey investigated where citizens primarily obtain weather information, how much they trust different forecasting providers, and how they perceive the clarity, reliability, and possible exaggeration in the way weather information is communicated.

The findings show that digital platforms—especially weather apps and online media—now represent the main sources of weather information for the Greek public. Traditional media, such as television, still play an important role, while social media are becoming increasingly influential in the rapid spread of forecasts and weather warnings. Respondents also reported differences in the trust they place in various sources and expressed concerns about the tendency of some outlets to present weather events in an exaggerated way.

Overall, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to improve how weather information is communicated and to strengthen public trust in meteorological forecasts in a digital and constantly evolving information environment.