A powerful weather system named Storm Samuel is set to hit Greece, bringing heavy rain, snowfall and strong winds as cold air masses move south from Siberia.
Meteorologists warn that Thursday is expected to be the most difficult day, with widespread rainfall across the country, a sharp drop in temperatures and snow reaching even semi-mountainous areas.
Cold front sweeps across Greece
According to meteorologists, the rapid shift in weather conditions is linked to a low-pressure system over the Gulf of Sidra named Samuel. However, the most significant impact will occur between Thursday and Saturday, when colder air from Siberia combines with another low-pressure system over the Ionian Sea.
The system is expected to bring:
- Widespread rain, with the most intense conditions in western and southern Greece
- Heavy snowfall in mountainous areas, spreading to semi-mountainous regions by Thursday night
- A temperature drop of 5–6°C, with highs in Athens and Thessaloniki remaining around 13–14°C
Unsettled conditions already developing
Wednesday will already bring increased cloud cover and scattered showers, mainly in central and southern Greece.
In Athens, cloudy skies and light local rain are expected, with temperatures reaching around 14°C. In Thessaloniki, similar conditions are forecast, with temperatures also near 14°C.
Thunderstorms may develop in parts of the Peloponnese, Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese, with forecasters warning that Crete could experience particularly intense weather.
Strong winds and frost expected
Another key feature of Storm Samuel will be powerful northerly winds, especially over the Aegean Sea where gusts could reach 8 Beaufort. Strong easterly winds are also expected in the southern Ionian Sea.
By Saturday, frost is likely in mountainous areas as temperatures continue to drop, although meteorologists say the conditions are not considered extreme for the season.
Weather expected to ease by the weekend
The severe weather is expected to begin easing from Friday, mainly in the Aegean Sea and Crete, before gradually weakening across the rest of the country on Saturday.
Travel warnings issued
Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution due to the sudden weather change.
Motorists traveling in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas are advised to carry snow chains, especially from Thursday evening onward. Strong crosswinds may also affect high-profile vehicles along coastal areas and in the Aegean region.
Frost is expected to create slippery road conditions in northern Greece early Saturday, while strong winds could disrupt ferry services in parts of the Aegean and Cyclades.
