Severe weather is expected to intensify in the coming hours, with showers and thunderstorms beginning this afternoon. Meanwhile, forecasts increasingly confirm the possibility of a “White Christmas.”

According to meteorologists, two major weather systems are set to affect the country. The first, arriving tonight, will impact all regions by tomorrow. The second, characterized by colder and more intense winter conditions, is expected to begin Monday and persist through Christmas Eve, bringing widespread instability and wintry weather until December 26.

Snowfall and Ski Resorts

Significant snowfall is forecast across the nation’s mountains, enabling most ski resorts to open after Christmas.

Forecast Highlights:

Kolydas: Rain and Storms on Saturday
The Director of the National Meteorological Service (EMY), Theodoros Kolydas, reported that showers and thunderstorms will start Friday afternoon, initially in the west. Saturday will see rain across most areas and a drop in temperatures, with a brief improvement on Sunday.

• Kolydas noted: “Rain will dominate on Saturday, with temperatures slightly lower. Sunday will bring a temporary respite before conditions worsen again.”

Giannopoulos: Weather System “Dionisio” Arrives
Meteorologist Panagiotis Giannopoulos highlighted that the first system, named “Dionisio” in Italy, will bring rain to Greece starting Friday afternoon, affecting Western Greece before spreading to the Cyclades and the eastern Aegean Sea. Heavy rains and storms are expected throughout the evening.

By Saturday, rain will cover the entire country, accompanied by snowfall in mountainous areas. Strong winds in the Aegean Sea will reach up to 7 Beaufort, and temperatures will dip further.

Second System Expected Near Christmas
A second low-pressure system arriving from Italy early next week will usher in colder conditions. This system will primarily affect Greece on Monday and Tuesday, bringing snow to mountain villages, particularly in Western Macedonia, and widespread rain by Christmas Eve.

Arnaoutoglou: “White Christmas” Likely
Meteorologist Sakis Arnaoutoglou predicts that cold air masses combined with the new system could result in heavy snow in mountainous areas near Christmas. He also suggests that lower altitudes in northern Greece might experience snow. However, forecasts for these areas will become more precise in the coming days.

Detailed Forecast

• Friday-Saturday (Dec. 20-21):
  
  Showers and storms begin in the west Friday afternoon, spreading eastward by Saturday. Snow will fall in mountain regions, with winds reaching 7-8 Beaufort in coastal areas. Temperatures will drop by 5-6 degrees.
• Sunday (Dec. 22):
  
  A temporary improvement in weather, with milder conditions, though temperatures will remain low.
• Monday-Tuesday (Dec. 23-24):
  
  Renewed bad weather with widespread rain and thunderstorms, snowfall in the mountains, and colder temperatures. Frost is likely in northern regions.
• Christmas Day (Dec. 25):
  
  Unstable weather continues, with rain in southern regions and snow in mountain areas, including popular ski resorts like Parnassos and Kalavryta.

Winter Weather Precautions

Authorities have issued warnings regarding potential frost and the impact of heavy snowfall in affected areas. Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and travel cautiously, especially in mountainous regions.