Crete recorded the highest temperature across Europe at 35 degrees Celsius on Saturday, as Greece experienced a distinct meteorological contrast, with a cold front sweeping across the north of the east Mediterranean country, on the one hand, and sunny and warm conditions on the large Aegean island.

Weather stations across the country recorded different weather phenomena, separated geographically, and mostly caused by a low front passing exactly through half the country; but leaving southern Greece, the islands and Crete enjoying balmy summery conditions.

In the more mountainous north of Greece, residents woke up to lower temperatures, accompanied by strong wind gusts and intermittent rainfall, while in the southern half of the country, particularly on Crete, the weather was summer-like.