New Year Begins With Intense Cold Across Greece
New Year’s Day dawned with harsh cold, subzero temperatures and strong northerly winds reaching 6 Beaufort as winter weather tightened its grip on Greece. Snow fell not only in mountainous terrain but also in several lower lying regions, shaping a white start to the year for many areas.
It is described as the coldest day of the winter so far according to meteorologist Panagiotis Giannopoulos, who highlighted the presence of sun with teeth and freezing conditions from early morning.
Snowfall Reaches Mainland, Evia and Northern Suburbs of Athens
Local snowfall appeared across parts of mainland Greece and Evia, even in relatively low altitude zones. Conditions in Attica remained particularly cold, with central Athens reaching only 9°C at midday after hitting 15°C the previous afternoon.
Light snow was also observed in northern suburbs such as Agios Stefanos and Drosia.
Few showers and possibly some snow in these northern areas are expected he noted, stressing the intense cold despite sunshine in some regions.
Subzero Temperatures Grip Northern Greece
Northern Greece shivered under temperatures between -8°C and -9°C early in the day, with a maximum of around 7°C by midday. Local rainfall affected Crete and the Dodecanese, while snowfall was forecast for Lemnos and Thrace.
Snow lovers will have the chance to enjoy more of it on Friday in the mountains of Epirus and Western Macedonia.
Warm Air Masses to Bring Rapid Temperature Rise
A dramatic shift in weather conditions is expected from Friday as southwesterly winds carry warmer air masses over the country. Temperatures in Athens will climb to 17°C on Saturday, 18°C on Sunday and reach up to 19°C on Monday.
During the same period Western Greece, the Eastern Aegean and Thrace are forecast to experience rain.
