The next 48 hours are set to bring a sharp intensification of winter weather across Greece, with temperatures remaining low and biting winds making it feel even colder.
Severe weather is forecast for Tuesday, January 20th, and Wednesday, the 21st, bringing extreme phenomena to several regions. While conditions are expected to subside starting Thursday, rain and sporadic storms will persist in the west and the Aegean.
Meteorologists highlight that the current atmospheric circulation suggests a long, persistent winter characterized by successive disturbances rather than brief extremes.
Winter weather in Greece: Destructive winds and flooding
According to ERT meteorologist Nikoleta Ziakopoulou, the precursor to this front will be “sweeping” gale-force winds reaching 9-10 on the Beaufort scale (100 km/h). There is a significant risk of damage in the Kythera Sea, southern Peloponnese, Messinia, and Laconia.
While Tuesday’s rainfall and snow are expected to be manageable, Wednesday is considered the “critical day.” Potentially dangerous phenomena include:
- Severe Flooding Risk: Particularly in the southern Ionian, Peloponnese, Evia, and the Aegean.
- Attica Alert: Residents in Athens and the surrounding Attica basin should exercise extreme caution as heavy rainfall poses a high risk of urban flooding.
- Heavy Snowfall: Dense snow is expected in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, as well as in major cities across Macedonia.
The Director of the National Meteorological Service, Thodoris Kolydas, noted that an organized low-pressure system moving from Tunisia is the primary driver of this deterioration. While the west and Thrace may see some clear intervals initially, the rest of the country will face heavy cloud cover, sleet, and snow.
