The wave of bad weather begins its advance from Western Macedonia, where the largest amounts of snowfall are expected.

We are set to experience a “severe snowstorm” with heavy snowfalls over the next few days in the country. The wave of bad weather is beginning its advance from Western Macedonia, where in all cities, such as Kozani and Ptolemaida, the largest amounts of snowfall are anticipated.

As meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas stated on STAR, the phenomena will be more intense in Evros and Thrace, where they are expected to start appearing on Sunday evening and into the early hours of Monday morning.

However, the meteorologist notes that while snow in mountainous areas may reach half a meter, it is unlikely to see similar amounts within urban areas. For example, while snowfall is expected in Thessaloniki, it is more likely to “settle” in the more elevated surrounding areas, such as Angelohori, Oreokastro, or Chortiatis.

As for the National Highway, drivers need to exercise particular caution due to low visibility, especially in the areas of Platamonas and Katerini. However, on provincial roads, vehicles will need chains due to heavy snowfalls.

Finally, the meteorologist highlights that there will also be heavy snowfalls in Thessaly, urging particular caution for residents in areas such as Trikala and Kalampaka, where snow is expected to be very dense, making snow chains absolutely essential.

Overall, on Sunday and Monday, the temperature will drop by 8-10 degrees.

Weather Forecast by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS)

FORECAST FOR SUNDAY, 12-01-2025

WARNINGS

Locally heavy rain and thunderstorms will occur initially in the northern Ionian Sea and Epirus, gradually spreading to Western and Central Macedonia, Thessaly (mainly in the eastern and northern parts), Sporades, Northern Evia, and, from the afternoon, temporarily in Eastern Macedonia, the southern Ionian Sea, and the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean.
In Western Macedonia, particularly heavy snowfalls will occur in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas from morning until noon, gradually extending to lower altitudes.
In Central and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, snowfalls will initially occur in mountainous areas, moving to semi-mountainous areas by midday, and later in the evening extending to lower altitudes.

In Epirus and Thessaly (particularly the western parts), snow will fall in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas starting from midday.
Locally gale-force northeasterly winds, reaching 7-8 Beaufort, will blow in the northern Aegean from midday.
Temperatures will drop by 6-7 degrees in northern Greece and by 3-4 degrees in the central regions.

DETAILED FORECAST

• ATHENS: Increased cloud cover with light rain in some areas. Winds from the north at 3-5 Beaufort, with a maximum temperature of 12°C.
• THESSALONIKI: Increased clouds with local rain in the early morning, followed by snowfall in the late afternoon. Northerly winds at 3-4 Beaufort. Maximum temperature: 7°C.

FORECAST FOR MONDAY, 13-01-2025

Intense phenomena will persist in the northern and central regions, with heavy snowfalls mainly in Thessaly, Western Macedonia, and Thrace.
Temperature will continue to drop, and snow chains will be mandatory in several mountainous areas. Northeasterly winds will intensify to 8 Beaufort in the Aegean.
Maximum temperature for Athens: 9°C. Thessaloniki: 5°C.

FORECAST FOR TUESDAY, 14-01-2025

Rain and snow will begin to weaken in most regions, except for Thrace and the Eastern Aegean islands, where storms are expected to continue. Winds will start to ease, with temperatures remaining low.