Holy Thursday is typically a time for the mass Easter exodus to begin as people travel out of the cities to celebrate the feastday in the countryside. This year, extreme weather conditions are causing difficulties, especially for sea travel with wind velocity ranging from 7-9 Beaufort. There are local showers in central and eastern parts of the country.
There was increased traffic at the port of Piraeus on Thursday morning despite the weather. Ships were filled to 100% capacity.
Wind velocity of 8 Beaufort at the Aegean caused Port Authorities to cancel routes to the Cyclades, with SEAJET routes canceled. Other lines and routes are still open around the country.
Most of the people leaving were counting on weather reports stating that the weather will clear up for Easter as temperatures will slowly rise.
Specifically:
Holy Thursday, April 9
Rain and northerly winds are forecast. Wind velocity is at 8 on the Beaufort scale. Partly cloudy skies with chances of light rain in the northern parts of the country and temperatures ranging from -1C through to -15C. The weather was partly cloudy in the western parts and temperatures ranging from 7 to 17C. Rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon as temperatures range from 6-13C. There will be rain over the Aegean islands and Crete, 10-16C. In Athens, temperatures will rain from 7-12C with rain. In Thessaloniki, temps will range from 5-17C with the possibility of light rain.
Good Friday, April 10
A steady improvement to the conditions with extreme weather only at mountain regions around Crete. Northerly winds at the Aegean will be at 8 Beaufort until the afternoon follwoed by a steady improvement. At the Ionian, winds will be medium. A rise in temperatures but frost in northern regions.
Holy Saturdaya, April 11
A sunny day with a few clouds. Winds in the Aegean will be northerly, 7 Beaufort in the Southeast Aegean. At the Ionian, there wil be northwesterly winds of medium range. Temperatures will note a slight 1-2C rise.
Easter Sunday, April 12
Sunny weather. Southeasterly winds at 6 Beaufort in the Aegean will slowly subside. Temperatures will increase around the country for a sunny Easter so that travelers could enjoy the traditions associated with the outdoor traditions typically associated with the Easter feast in Greece.
