Greece is bracing for an intense cold wave as weather front ‘Coral’ moves in, bringing a dramatic temperature drop and heavy snowfall, even in low-lying areas.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued a severe weather warning ahead of the cold snap, which is expected to take hold on Wednesday, February 19, and persist until early next week.
Meteorological Outlook
According to EMY director Thodoris Kolydas, Greece and the broader Southeastern European region will experience a sharp deterioration in weather conditions due to Coral. Key forecasts include:
- Temperature Drop: A significant decrease of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, particularly in northern and eastern regions, with the lowest temperatures expected over the weekend.
- Strong Winds: Stormy northerly winds reaching 7 to 8 Beaufort in the Aegean Sea.
- Heavy Snowfall: Two separate weather disturbances will bring snow primarily to the northern, central, and eastern mainland, as well as the Aegean islands and Crete.
Detailed Weather Forecast
Temperature Projections
Wednesday, February 19:
- Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, and northeastern Aegean islands: -3°C to 7–8°C, with temperatures in Thessaly dropping as low as -9°C.
- Central and eastern Sterea, Evia, and eastern Peloponnese: 1°C to 12°C, reaching 13°C in some areas.
Thursday, February 20:
- Central Macedonia and Thessaly: -4°C to 8°C.
- Central and eastern Sterea and Evia: -2°C to 10°C.
Friday, February 21:
- Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and northeastern Aegean islands: -5°C to 5°C.
- Thessaly, central and eastern Sterea, and Evia: -1°C to 8°C.
- Eastern Peloponnese: 0°C to 10°C.
Snowfall Forecast
Wednesday, February 19:
- Snow in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly, and the northeastern Aegean islands, gradually extending to lower altitudes.
- Central and eastern Sterea, Evia, and eastern Peloponnese to see snow from midday.
- Mountainous Crete to receive snowfall from the evening.
Thursday, February 20:
- Snow in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of central Macedonia, Thessaly, central and eastern Sterea, and Evia.
- Crete to see snowfall extending from mountainous to semi-mountainous areas.
Friday, February 21:
- Snowfall in western and central Macedonia, Thessaly, northeastern Aegean islands, central and eastern Sterea (including Attica), Evia, and eastern Peloponnese.
- Mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Crete to experience snowfall.
Weekend and Beyond
A second weather disturbance is expected to impact Greece over the weekend and into Monday, with meteorologists still debating whether snowfall will reach Athens and Attica. Some experts predict snow in the northern suburbs of the capital, while others remain skeptical.
Authorities urge residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as Greece prepares for a deep freeze. Travelers and commuters should expect disruptions and are advised to follow weather updates closely.