An emergency bulletin has been issued by Greece's National Meteorological Service (EMY), warning of a rapid deterioration in weather conditions.
The bulletin states that temperatures will drop by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, accompanied by snowfalls mainly in the central and northern mainland. In addition, stormy winds of up to 9 Beaufort will prevail in the Aegean Sea, while there will be strong rainfalls and thunderstorms mainly in coastal areas.
This sudden change in weather is expected to occur within a few hours, abruptly ending the previously fair weather experienced in January. The main features of this cold weather front include a rapid temperature drop, widespread rainfall across the country, snowfall even in low-altitude areas of the north, and stormy winds at sea.
According to the weather forecast maps, rain is expected in green areas and snow in purple areas at noon and early evening on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
Snowfall predictions are as follows:
a) Starting from Saturday, January 20, snowfall is expected in the mountains of Macedonia and Thrace, as well as in semi-mountainous areas in the afternoon.
During the night from Saturday to Sunday, there will also be snowfall in lowland areas of northern Greece, as well as in the mountains and semi-mountains of Thessaly, Epirus, and Central Greece.
b) From the morning of Sunday, January 21, snowfall will extend to the highlands of Peloponnese, Evia, and Crete. Snowfall will cease in Thrace by noon, and in Macedonia and Epirus by the afternoon.
c) On Monday, January 22, snowfalls will occur in the mountains of Sterea, Evia, Peloponnese, and Crete, gradually stopping by noon.
Regarding winds, gusty north-northeast winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort will blow:
a) Starting from midday on Saturday, initially in the north and gradually extending to the central and south-western Aegean Sea.
b) On Sunday, stormy north winds will spread to the rest of the Aegean.
c) From midday on Monday, stormy north winds will be limited to 8 Beaufort, initially in the north and extending to the rest of the Aegean by the evening.
Winds are expected to weaken from the morning of Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
Heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms are also forecasted:
a) From midday on Saturday until the early hours of Sunday in Epirus, eastern Macedonia, and Thrace.
b) From the early hours of Sunday until late afternoon on the islands of the eastern Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese, and Crete.
It is important to note that stormy winds in the Aegean Sea often disrupt sea traffic, leading the Shipping Ministry to ban sailing for ferries and other ships. Those planning to travel by sea during these days are advised to contact local port authorities and travel agents for updates and guidance.
