Wintry Weather Arrives with Storms and Snowfall

A shift to wintry conditions begins today as a strong weather system brings storms, temperature drops, and snowfall. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming weather:

Key Highlights

Snowfall is expected on mountain peaks, including Parnitha and Penteli, marking the season’s first snow. Severe storms are forecast in various regions, with thunderstorms and hail in some areas. A significant temperature decline will affect the country, with frost in higher altitudes.

Forecast by Region

Saturday, December 14

Areas Affected: Showers and thunderstorms will develop in the Ionian Sea, Western Central Greece, and Northwestern Peloponnese in the afternoon, spreading to the Eastern Aegean and Dodecanese by evening.
Winds: South winds at 5-6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 Beaufort.
Temperatures: Ranges from 6°C to 18°C in the west, with frost in higher altitudes.

Sunday, December 15

Weather Conditions: Widespread rain and thunderstorms will affect most of the country. Snowfall is expected in the mountains of Northern Greece and some central highlands, including Pelion, Arachova, and Kalavryta. Crete’s higher peaks may also see snow as the system moves south.
Winds: Southerly in the Aegean Sea (5-6 Beaufort, up to 7 Beaufort), gradually shifting to northwest.
Temperature: Moderate decline, with highs between 14°C and 19°C; locally 20°C in Crete.

Monday, December 16

Snow and Rain: Snow is expected in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Central and Northern Greece. Rain will occur in the eastern mainland, Sporades, Evia, Cyclades, and Crete, with gradual improvement throughout the day.
Winds: Predominantly northerly, reaching 7-8 Beaufort in the Aegean.
Temperature: Further drop, with winter-like conditions across the country.

Detailed Regional Weather

Attica

Saturday: Mostly cloudy with possible evening rain.
Sunday: Rain likely around the Saronic Gulf, with potential snowfall at higher elevations (Parnitha).
Monday: Cooler with morning rain showers, clearing later.

Thessaloniki

Saturday: Cloudy with rain developing in the afternoon.
Temperature: 6°C to 12°C.

Ionian Islands, Epirus, and Western Greece

Frequent thunderstorms, locally intense.
Temperature: 6°C to 16°C, with lower values in mountainous areas.

Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese

Sunday: Heavy showers and thunderstorms, with winds reaching 6-7 Beaufort.
Monday: Rain diminishes by evening.

Crete & Cyclades

Sunday and Monday: Localized showers and occasional thunderstorms, especially in northern parts of Crete.

Meteorologists’ Commentary

Theodoros Kolydas highlights severe storms in the Ionian and Dodecanese regions, with northerly winds dominating by Monday and a sharp temperature drop.

Klearhos Marousakis predicts snowfall in northern and central mountains such as Pelion and Arachova, with light snow on Parnitha in Attica on Sunday.

Yannis Kallianos describes a progression from mild weather on Saturday to stormy conditions on Sunday, followed by a cold “north current” front on Monday.

George Tsatrafillias notes that snow is possible in parts of Attica, with temperatures dropping by 6-8°C from Saturday to Monday before stabilizing midweek.

Stay prepared for wintry weather in affected areas and monitor updates as conditions develop.