A new wave of severe weather is sweeping across Greece on Wednesday, bringing powerful storms, heavy snowfall, and strong winds that prompted widespread school closures, emergency alerts to residents, and special measures for workers in both the public and private sectors.
Authorities warned that the next 24 hours would be critical, with intense thunderstorms in central and southern parts of the country, heavy snow in northern regions, and winds reaching gale force. Schools remained closed in large parts of the country, while residents in several southern regions received emergency messages urging them to limit travel to essential movements only.
Torrential Rain, Snow, and Gale-Force Winds
According to Greece’s national meteorological service, severe rain and thunderstorms developed early Wednesday across western regions, central mainland Greece, and the Peloponnese, before spreading eastward to the Aegean Sea and eastern mainland areas later in the day. Snowfall affected all mountainous areas, with dense snow reported even at low elevations in parts of Thessaly and Macedonia.
Forecasters warned that snowfall could reach elevations as low as 200 to 300 meters in northern Greece, increasing the risk of disruptions on local road networks. Wind gusts of up to 8 to 9 on the Beaufort scale were recorded in coastal and island areas, particularly in the Ionian Sea and the central and southern Aegean.
Temperatures rose slightly but remained low, reaching 7 to 9 degrees Celsius (mid-40s Fahrenheit) in central and northern regions and up to 17 degrees Celsius (low 60s Fahrenheit) in southern areas.
Emergency Alerts and High-Risk Regions
Civil protection authorities placed seven regions under heightened alert, warning that the most dangerous conditions were expected in parts of southern Greece, the Athens metropolitan area, central mainland regions, and several island groups. Emergency alerts were sent to residents in multiple southern districts, advising them to restrict travel due to the risk of flooding, landslides, and hazardous winds through Thursday afternoon.
Meteorologists said the most intense weather was expected around midday Wednesday, with gradual improvement forecast later in the afternoon in some areas.
Conditions in Major Cities
In the Athens area, authorities reported periods of strong thunderstorms across the wider metropolitan region, with lighter rain expected later in the evening. Snowfall was forecast in nearby mountainous areas, while strong southeast winds gradually weakened by late afternoon.
In northern Greece’s largest city, Thessaloniki, sleet was reported within the city, with snowfall in surrounding areas at higher elevations. Storms were also expected in nearby coastal regions before conditions improved later in the day.
Widespread School Closures
Schools were closed in numerous regions as a precaution, including the Athens area and large parts of western, southern, and central Greece. Local authorities suspended classes in multiple municipalities due to flooding risks, snowfall, strong winds, and power supply concerns. Several island and coastal communities also announced closures of early childhood centers and special education facilities.
Municipal officials said they remained on high alert and warned that weather-related problems could affect local transportation networks.
Special Measures for Workers
In response to the extreme conditions, the labor ministry introduced emergency measures to protect private-sector employees, while public-sector workers were allowed to stay home if travel to work was deemed unsafe. Authorities emphasized that absences due to severe weather would be considered justified where transportation was not possible.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Unstable weather is expected to continue through Thursday and Friday, with additional rain, isolated thunderstorms, and snowfall in mountainous northern regions. Winds are forecast to ease gradually, while temperatures are expected to rise slightly across much of the country.
Authorities urged residents to remain cautious, monitor official updates, and follow civil protection guidance as the severe weather system continues to affect Greece.
