GreekReporter.comGreek NewsWeather Front Brings Snowfall and Extreme Cold to Greece

Weather Front Brings Snowfall and Extreme Cold to Greece

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Snow in Greece
A cold weather front that is bringing extensive snowfall in many regions of northern Greece started affecting most of the country on Sunday. Credit: Dimitris Tosidis, AMNA

Greece is currently facing a severe weather front that is expected to persist throughout  Monday, bringing significant disruptions and dangerous conditions. Snowfall is forecast to extend to lower altitudes across many areas, while storms and heavy rainfall will impact other regions.

Northern Greece: Snow and Freezing Temperatures

The cold front has primarily impacted northern Greece, namely West, Central, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

Meteora, Greece Snow
The monasteries in Meteora, Greece, covered in a thick blanket of snow. Credit: Zisis Papoulias

There, snowfall is already expected in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. Regions such as Florina, Kastoria, Kozani, and Grevena in Western Macedonia are bracing for heavy snow at altitudes as low as 800 meters, which could impact urban centers, such as the cities of Florina and Kastoria.

In Thessaloniki, the capital of Macedonia, light snow or sleet may appear by late Sunday night or early Monday morning as temperatures are expected to dip to near-freezing levels.

Other northern cities like Kilkis, Komotini and Xanthi are also forecast to experience snow by Monday.

Ski resorts in northern Greece, including Kaimaktsalan, 3-5 Pigadia and Seli are also expected to receive large amounts of much-wanted snow.

Greece snow_Meteora
The beautiful snow-covered cliffs of Meteora in Greece. Credit: Zisis Papoulias

Temperatures are expected to drop up to -9 degrees Celcius (15 degrees Fahrenheit).

Snowfall will extend into central Greece’s mountainous regions, including areas like Metsovo and Pertouli, which are prone to low temperatures.

Greece-snow_Meteora2
Meteora, Greece, Credit: Dimitris Kiriakoulis

Lower-altitude areas may see snow depending on local conditions, however, temperatures might turn any potential snowfall into sleet or rain.

Athens: Cooler but Limited Snow Chances

Athens and the surrounding Attica region are expected to see periods of rain or thunderstorms, with some areas experiencing intense conditions.

Despite the harsh weather, main roadways in northern Greece remain open with no significant traffic disruptions reported. However, the Thessaloniki KTEL bus service has canceled some scheduled routes to nearby areas due to the adverse conditions.

Educational institutions across western Macedonia will remain closed on Monday. Similarly, schools in the Thessaloniki municipalities of Oraiokastro, Pavlos Melas, and Langadas are also shut.

The Aegean islands will experience strong winds (up to 8 Beaufort) and localized thunderstorms. More rain is forecasted to fall in the northeastern Aegean as well as on the island of Crete.

This cold front will continue affecting Greece until Tuesday, January 14, with conditions gradually improving thereafter.

Authorities have issued warnings for drivers and residents in affected areas to prepare for icy roads and disruptions due to snow accumulation.

Caution is also advised for those who wish to travel to the islands, due to heavy winds. People should always check with local ports for potential delays.

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