A change to the currently mild weather pattern is being heralded by meteorologists, as a barometric low from the Gulf of Sirte is expected to bring showers and a drop in temperature over the weekend, while the possibility of successive bad weather until the first days of the New Year.

Bad weather after days of “atmospheric blockage”

As meteorologist Klearhos Marousakis explains, in recent days the country has been under the influence of a strong field of high barometric pressure, which has been acting as an “atmospheric mountain”, preventing the arrival of organized bad weather. This scene is changing, as a barometric low from the Gulf of Sirte is coming to “unlock” the door for the entry of successive bad weather systems, with flares and depressions that may persist even into the beginning of the New Year.

Where will the phenomena be most intense this weekend

The bad weather that will occupy the country at the weekend is expected to affect mainly the eastern and southern parts, where the most intense phenomena are predicted. On the contrary, in the west and north, the high pressure field will act as an inhibitor, limiting the development of strong or dangerous weather phenomena.

According to Marousakis, the system will also be accompanied by a low-intensity cold invasion, which will lead to a decrease in temperature and possible snowfall in mountainous areas and at high altitudes.

Fixed temperatures until Christmas – Uncertainty on rain

For his part, meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas notes that until Christmas no significant deviations in the temperature field are apparent, with values moving close to normal for the season, with no signs of extremes. The winds show a similar picture.

The main point of uncertainty relates to precipitation, as forecast models differ on the location and exact track of a surface low in the central Mediterranean. As he points out, even small shifts in the system are capable of significantly affecting both the intensity and the geographical distribution of events in our country. The models show better agreement until 23 December, while after that the forecast remains uncertain.

“Christmas with weather twists and turns”

Meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias speaks of “Christmas with weather twists and turns”, noting that, despite the increased public interest, scientific forecasting has specific limits and does not yet allow safe conclusions.

According to his initial assessment, a few showers are expected from Saturday, December 20 to Monday, December 22, mainly in the central and southern regions, and a slight drop in temperature. On Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December, the temperature is not expected to show any significant change, but more rain is forecast in the west, north and eastern Aegean, with stronger southerly winds and snowfall in ski resorts. On Christmas Day, the scenery seems to include a few showers in the central and southern regions, with the temperature remaining at the same level, while from Friday, December 26 until New Year’s Day, a trend towards colder weather conditions is evident.

Today’s weather

Good weather conditions will prevail across the country with sunshine and some clouds. Slightly increased clouds will be in the eastern mainland and in Crete. In the morning and evening hours, visibility will be limited in many areas and fog will form, locally dense. Frost will occur in the morning in the northern continents.

The temperature will range in Western Macedonia from -4 to 11 degrees Celsius, in the rest of Macedonia and Thrace from -2 to 12-14 degrees Celsius, in Thessaly from 0 to 14-16 degrees, in Epirus from 2 to 14-16 degrees, in the rest of the continent from 2 to 16-18 degrees Celsius, in the Ionian Islands from 7 to 16-17 degrees Celsius, and in the Aegean Islands and Crete from 7 to 16-18 degrees Celsius.

In the Aegean Sea the winds will blow north with intensities of 3-4 and locally 5 Beaufort. In the Ionian Sea, winds will blow from the east with intensities not exceeding 3 Beaufort.

In the prefecture of Attica and in the city of Athens we expect thin clouds. At night and early in the morning the visibility will be limited and fogs are likely to form. Winds will blow north northeast with intensities of 2-3 Beaufort. The temperature will range from 8 to 16-17 degrees Celsius.

In Thessaloniki we expect thin clouds. At night and early in the morning the visibility will be limited and fog is likely to form. Winds will be light. The temperature will range from 5 to 13-14 degrees Celsius.

The weather on Friday, December 19

Generally clear weather, with occasional local clouds increasing from the evening hours in the west and south. Visibility will be locally limited in the morning and at night and mainly in the continental areas fog will form in places.

Winds in the Ionian and continental areas will be variable, light and in the Aegean Sea will blow from northern directions 3 to 4 Beaufort.

The temperature will not change significantly. It will reach in the north 12 to 15 degrees Celsius, in the rest of the regions 15 to 18 and locally in the south 19 degrees Celsius.

The weather on Saturday, December 20

Thin clouds that will gradually thicken from the west and there will be local showers mainly in the southwest, with isolated thunderstorms possible from the evening. Visibility in the morning hours will be locally limited mainly on the mainland.

Winds will blow east northeast 3 to 5 and gradually locally 6 Beaufort.

The temperature will drop slightly in the central and northern regions.

The weather on Sunday, December 21

In the central and southern mainland as well as in the southern islands cloudy with local showers and occasional thunderstorms. From the afternoon onwards, a decrease in phenomena is expected. In the remaining areas, unstable weather with local rain and isolated thunderstorms. Occasional snowfall will occur in the northwestern mountains.

The winds will blow east northeast 5 to 6 and in the sea occasionally locally 7 Beaufort.

The temperature will drop slightly further.

The weather on Monday, December 22

Unsettled weather with local showers and isolated thunderstorms. Occasional snowfall will occur in the mountains of the mainland.

Winds will blow east northeast 3 to 5 and in the northern Aegean Sea locally 6 Beaufort. From the afternoon in the Ionian Sea southeastern winds of 4 to 5 Beaufort will prevail.

The temperature will not change significantly.