An elderly homeless woman sleeps on a bench in central Athens...epa04650063 An elderly homeless woman sleeps on a bench in the touristic area of Monastiraki in central Athens, Greece, 06 March 2015. The eurozone economy showed signs of recovery in the last three months of 2014, with growth of 0.3 per cent compared to the previous quarter, the European Union's statistics office Eurostat said 06 March confirming preliminary estimates. Bailout recipients Cyprus and Greece saw their economies shrink by 0.7 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively. EPA/SIMELA PANTZARTZI
Greece’s Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis has ordered that three central Athens metro stations stay open the weekend to host homeless people due to the freezing weather conditions this winter.
Specifically, Omonia, Monastiraki and Metaxourgeio – are ordered to stay open for this weekend, but if weather conditions worsen, the measure would be extended again.
Meteorologists on Wednesday warned that a high-pressure system from Siberia is expected to sweep into Greece on Thursday, bringing freezing temperatures and snow to many parts of the country, including the capital.
According to forecasts so far, temperatures in Athens will drop below 0 Celsius for about three days from Friday, with the wind-chill factor making it feel like -10 Celsius in the capital’s northern suburbs and mountains.
In other parts of the country that are accustomed to wintry conditions, the wind-chill factor is expected to be as low as -25 Celsius.