The arrival of the barometric low from northwestern Europe is ongoing, bringing polar air masses to the country. Meteorologists predict intense phenomena, including snowfalls, strong winds, and storms in many areas of Greece. Meanwhile, there was a significant increase yesterday in the number of vehicles passing through toll stations on national highways, both on the exit from Athens toward Lamia and along the road network of the Peloponnese, due to Christmas holiday travelers.

From early on, thousands of cars, along with 100% full KTEL buses, departed from Kifisos, prompting the addition of extra routes to accommodate travelers who will continue today heading to their chosen Christmas destinations outside Attica. The most popular destinations appear to be Thessaloniki, Arta, Ioannina, the Peloponnese, and Aetolia-Acarnania.

However, the weather will not be their ally.

Kolydas: Storm “Elena” – A Christmas gift of nature to our country
According to EMY Director Theodoros Kolydas, “the barometric low affecting us will remain over the country today, continuing the rainy weather. It would be unfair to call ‘Elena’ a storm, even though strong phenomena will persist locally until morning in eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and in the afternoon in the eastern Aegean islands, the Dodecanese, and Crete. Today’s rains were beneficial, particularly in the west, while the upcoming days will bring more rain, especially in the east.”

In his post, he also mentions, “By the end of the week, snow will be noticeable primarily in mountainous regions and locally in semi-mountainous areas of eastern mainland Greece. The enrichment of groundwater reserves from the snow is significant. After many years, the weather has ‘aligned’ with the festive spirit of the season, offering a ‘white day’ to lovers of winter destinations and ski resorts.”

🎯🎄 “GOOD WEATHER” ELENA – A CHRISTMAS GIFT OF NATURE TO OUR COUNTRY
✅ The barometric low affecting us will remain over the country tomorrow, continuing the rainy weather. It would be unfair to call “ELENA” a storm, even though… pic.twitter.com/eQS9M0zivy
— Theodoros Kolydas (@KolydasT) December 23, 2024

Marousakis: Snow in Parnitha and Kithaironas
Klearhos Marousakis mentioned possible snowfall even in Attica, primarily in mountainous areas such as Parnitha and Kithaironas. The OPEN meteorologist stated, among other things, that this weather will stay with us until the New Year. He warned of a “prolonged winter” with cold and snow in mountainous regions and chilly conditions in northern Greece.

Additionally, rainfalls and storms are expected in central and northern areas, while the most intense phenomena will hit coastal and maritime regions. Christmas is expected to be particularly cold, with the bad weather continuing, affecting areas from the Pindus mountain range eastward, as well as regions near the Aegean, where rain, storms, and strong winds will prevail.

EL.AS. Guidelines for the storm
Drivers need to be especially cautious during the storm, as emphasized by the Hellenic Police in a statement.

Specifically, due to the upcoming worsening weather conditions across the country, citizens, particularly drivers residing in or traveling to areas where the weather phenomena are expected to intensify, are advised to exercise caution and equip their vehicles with snow chains.

At the same time, EL.AS. urges drivers to comply with traffic regulators’ instructions and to stay informed about weather conditions and the road network’s status.

Where snow chains are required
According to EL.AS.’s traffic bulletin, due to severe weather conditions, snow chains are mandatory:

• On the Kastoria-Florina provincial road (via Vitsi), from the 18th km to the 28th km.
• On the Kastoria-Ioannina provincial road (via Kotyli), from the 33rd km to the 48th km.
• On the Florina-National Border Checkpoint of Krystallopigi National Road (via Vigla), from the 12th km to the 28th km.
• On the Aetos-Nymfaio provincial road, from the 4th km to the 11th km.
• On the mountainous road network of the Florina municipality.

The Western Macedonia Regional Police Directorate notes that the temporary ban on the circulation of trucks over 3.5 tons gross weight in both directions on the Florina-Kastoria provincial road (via Vitsi) (from the 18th km to the 30th km) excludes road assistance, snow-clearing, and emergency vehicles equipped with snow chains or special tires.

Moreover, vehicles traveling across the road network of the Grevena, Kastoria, Kozani, and Florina regional units must be equipped with snow chains or similar devices unless fitted with snow tires.

Traffic Police planning until Epiphany
Since last Friday, increased road safety measures have been implemented for the Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany holiday period to ensure citizens’ safe travel and prevent traffic accidents.

The measures will remain in place until January 8, 2025, peaking on high-traffic days during the holiday exodus and return.

The planning includes:

• Sector-based road network policing, tailored to each area’s specific traffic conditions.
• Increased police presence and targeted road safety measures in areas prone to frequent traffic accidents.
• Enhanced traffic measures at major city entry-exit points where vehicle movement is high.
• Traffic management with pedestrian officers at major intersections to avoid congestion.
• Formation of general and specialized traffic control teams focusing on identifying hazardous violations (speeding, drunk driving, illegal overtaking, etc.) and violations statistically linked to serious accidents (e.g., using mobile phones while driving).
• Enhanced traffic measures at areas with high passenger concentrations (airports, ports, stations, etc.).
• Local traffic adjustments in areas hosting festive events.
• Presence of traffic officers at national toll stations to facilitate traffic, provide information, and advise drivers and passengers.
• Public updates from communication services whenever broad information dissemination is necessary regarding potential traffic or other issues.

Additionally, particular emphasis will be placed on preventative and deterrent measures, including traffic controls and breathalyzer tests, to address “dangerous” violations, which are the primary causes of serious or fatal traffic accidents.

Ban on trucks over 3.5 tons during the Christmas holiday period
In addition to local facilitation and traffic measures, a ban on trucks over 3.5 tons gross weight will be enforced.

Specifically, for the outbound flow, the ban will apply on:

• Tuesday, December 24, 2024, Friday, December 27, 2024, and Friday, January 3, 2025, from 16:00 to 22:00.
• Saturday, December 28, 2024, and Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 08:00 to 13:00.
• Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 15:00 to 21:00.

For the inbound flow, the ban will apply on:

• Thursday, December 26, 2024, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and Monday, January 6, 2025, from 15:00 to 21:00.

Latest Forecast Updates on Snowfall

According to the latest forecast data from meteo.gr / NOA, snowfall is expected during the evening hours of Monday, December 23, and throughout Tuesday, December 24, in mountainous areas of mainland Greece and Crete, as well as in lower-altitude areas of Western Macedonia and Epirus.

The forecast map illustrates the geographical distribution and the estimated cumulative snow depth in the country until the end of Tuesday, December 24.

Today’s Weather

Initially, rain and thunderstorms will occur in parts of the Ionian Islands, western and northeastern mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, Crete, the Dodecanese, as well as locally in the Cyclades and the islands of the Eastern Aegean. These phenomena are expected to be locally intense. Gradually, rain will spread to several areas of central, eastern, and northern Greece, as well as the rest of the Aegean, accompanied by thunderstorms. Snowfall is expected in mountainous mainland areas and in lower-altitude regions of Western Macedonia and Epirus.

Temperatures will range as follows:

• Western Macedonia: -3°C to 5°C
• Northern Greece: 2°C to 11-13°C
• Thessaly: 3°C to 11°C
• Epirus: 3°C to 10°C
• Other mainland regions: 5°C to 13-15°C
• Ionian Islands: 7°C to 11°C
• Northern Aegean islands: 6°C to 13°C
• Other Aegean islands: 10°C to 13-14°C
• Crete and the Dodecanese: maximum temperatures of 15-16°C and 17-18°C respectively.

In the Aegean, southerly winds will prevail with speeds of 5-6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 Beaufort, though they will weaken slightly by the afternoon and shift to east-northeasterly in the northern seas. In the Ionian, westerly winds will prevail at 5-6 Beaufort, gradually weakening and turning northeasterly in the northern parts.

In Attica, expect periods of increased cloudiness, especially in the afternoon, when local showers are likely. Winds will blow from the south at 4-5 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 7°C to 12-13°C.

In Thessaloniki, periods of increased cloud cover are expected, with a chance of brief, light local rain. Winds will blow from the north at 3-4 Beaufort, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 9-10°C.

Christmas Weather: December 25, 2024

In western mainland regions and the Ionian, expect partly cloudy skies that will temporarily thicken, bringing local rain. In eastern mainland regions and the Aegean, expect increased cloudiness with local rain and sporadic thunderstorms, especially in coastal and marine areas. Snowfall will occur in mountainous parts of mainland Greece, Evia, and Crete, and occasionally in semi-mountainous areas of central and northern Greece.

Winds will blow from the north-northeast at 4-6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 Beaufort in the northern Aegean and strengthening further in the evening. In the southeastern Aegean, winds will initially blow from the west-southwest at 4-6 Beaufort, gradually turning to the south-southeast with the same intensity.

Temperatures will drop slightly, especially in eastern mainland regions. In central and northern mainland areas, temperatures will not exceed 8-11°C, while in other mainland regions and the northern Aegean islands, they will reach 12-14°C. In western and southern island regions, they will locally reach 15-16°C. Frost will form in some mainland areas during the early morning and evening hours, potentially severe in northwestern regions.

Weather on Thursday, December 26, 2024

In eastern mainland regions and the Aegean, increased cloudiness with local rain is expected, with sporadic thunderstorms mainly in central and southern coastal and marine areas. In the west, partly cloudy skies will occasionally thicken, bringing local rain. By evening, these phenomena will weaken in the western and northern regions. Snowfall will occur in mountainous mainland areas, in the mountains of Crete, and locally in semi-mountainous areas of central and northern Greece.

Winds will blow from the north-northeast at 4-6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 Beaufort in eastern mainland areas, and 7-8 Beaufort in the northern Aegean, strengthening further to 9 Beaufort in northeastern areas by evening.

Temperatures will drop slightly further, especially in the north. Frost will occur during the early morning and evening hours in mainland areas, with severe frost possible in northwestern regions.