Much of mainland Greece will experience a distinct shift in weather this weekend, with the first real snowfall of the season expected in mountainous areas. Meteorologists warned that cold polar air masses moving into the country from the north will lead to a sharp temperature drop of 8 to 12°C, creating a winter-like climate across much of the country.

Snowfall is likely to begin in high-altitude regions, though it could reach lower elevations, particularly in northern and northwestern Greece. Meanwhile, rain will persist in the already “soaked” northwest, with the south and east experiencing partly cloudy conditions and occasional showers.

Despite whatever problems, such as flash flooding in the northwest over recent days, Greece needs more rainfall and snow this season to ward off threats of water shortages come next spring and summer.

Thursday Forecast:

  • Ionian Islands, Epirus, western Thessaly, and western Central Greece: rain and scattered thunderstorms, locally heavy by midday.
  • Macedonia, Thrace, and eastern Aegean: increased cloud cover with local showers.
  • Remaining areas: mostly sunny with occasional cloud cover.
  • Winds: southerly, 4-6 Beaufort, reaching 7 in the northern Aegean and 7-8 in the Ionian by afternoon.
  • Temperatures: 18-20°C in the north, 21-23°C elsewhere, locally up to 24°C in the south.

Saturday Forecast:

  • Western, northern, and eastern Aegean regions: intermittent rain, with thunderstorms in the Ionian, Epirus, and western Central Greece, locally heavy.
  • Eastern Peloponnese and Thessaly: local showers.
  • Winds: southerly 4-6 Beaufort, locally 7 in northern Ionian and southeastern Aegean.
  • Temperatures: largely stable, though slightly cooler in the west and north.

Sunday Forecast:

  • Western regions: unstable weather with rain and scattered thunderstorms.
  • Northern areas and eastern Aegean: increased cloud cover with local showers.
  • Snow: expected in the mountainous areas of Epirus and Macedonia.
  • Winds: southerly-southwesterly 4-5 Beaufort, locally 6 at sea.
  • Temperatures: significant drop in western and northern Greece, smaller decrease elsewhere.