According to the prognostic data of meteo.gr/National Observatory of Athens, today, in addition to the greatly increased concentrations of dust that will limit visibility, mud showers are also expected to occur, mainly in the north and west of the country. On Wednesday, the turn of the winds to the west will result in the limitation of dust in the Dodecanese and its progressive removal to the east. With the increased concentration levels of African dust in our country and the phenomenon occurring more and more frequently and longer in duration, the Hellenic Pulmonology Society is analyzing the data in an effort to understand its effect on health, while at the same time advancing recommendations for protection. According to pulmonologists, people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable during periods of increased dust levels and this is reflected in increased hospital admissions.

As he says in his post, the "polar storm" will also bring snow to the mountains and heavy rains. In detail, the post of the meteorologist is as follows: "Good morning! "The polar jet stream is displacing dust and dropping temperatures by 10 degrees! Also bringing snow to the mountains and heavy rain Friday-Saturday." Today is the last day with dust, with the mud rains keeping us busy until the evening mainly in the western and northern country. Thursday 18/4 is a transitional day. Local rainfall will occur in the west, north and east of the island country and the temperature will drop 4 to 5 degrees. However, on Friday and Saturday the "atmospheric river" (aerohemarros) - image - located high in the atmosphere will descend to more southern latitudes and will change the weather in the country with rain, storms, further drop in temperature and even snow!" Specifically: On Friday 19/4, large amounts of rain are expected in western and northern Greece, some snow at high altitudes (1400 m) and a drop in temperature. On Saturday 20/4 the most rains (locally heavy) will occur in the morning hours in Thessaly, the Sporades, Macedonia, Thrace, the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese. Strong north winds will also blow. On Sunday 21/4 a second disturbance will create milder phenomena in central and northern Greece.  

However, anticipate a gradual weakening of the winds as we move into the evening. Temperatures will be on the higher side for this time of year. In the Ionian and mainland regions, temperatures will soar to a warm 30 to 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the eastern islands, temperatures will hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Expect generally sunny weather throughout the day. Winds in the Aegean will pick up, blowing at speeds of 5 to 7 Beaufort, with occasional gusts reaching 8 Beaufort in southern areas. However, anticipate a gradual weakening of the winds as we move into the evening. Temperatures will be on the higher side for this time of year. In the Ionian and mainland regions, temperatures will soar to a warm 30 to 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in the eastern islands, temperatures will hover between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius.

From December to February, the average peak temperature was 11.3 degrees Celsius (52.3 Farenheit), 1.8 degrees above the average top winter temperatures from 1960-2024, soaring as much as 7-8 degrees higher in some parts of northern Greece, according to the National Observatory of Athens, which analyzed data by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Indeed, it was the warmest winter since records began in 1936, and follows a trend: 6 of Greece's balmiest winters have been recorded in the last 10 years. "Temperatures were above normal on most days, with only small intervals of cold weather," Konstantinos Lagouvardos, research director at the national observatory, told Reuters. "This is a new reality and we must take it seriously. Climate change is undoubtedly here." The data is a concern for Greece, which is one of the most climate-impacted countries in Europe, where wildfires killed at least 20 people last summer. In the autumn, torrential record-breaking rains wiped out homes, cattlelands and crops, raising concerns about the continent's fragile climate defences. The country's ski resorts saw lower-than-usual snowfall this winter. The warm weather may be adverse news for farmers, too, whose crops, including Greece's famed olives, benefit from cold winters and a flowering season in spring. "The lack of a proper winter will create problems for sure," because the trees are flowering too soon, said Michalis Antonopoulos, head of the farmers' cooperative of Kalamata, the main producer of Greek olive oil. Globally too, last year was the planet's hottest on record and likely in the last 100,000 years, according to Copernicus. Scientists said the warm winter in Greece, together with low rainfall and low humidity, could mean more wildfires in the summer. Such blazes are frequent in Greece but have been made worse in recent years because of extreme heat that scientists link to climate change. "Of course this raises the risk," said Christos Zerefos, a leading climate expert and head of Greece's Research Center for Atmospheric Physics and Climatology. "From now on, every month that comes, every winter that comes, will be the warmest ever," Zerefos said.  

The phenomenon is expected to persist on Thursday. The quantities of Saharan dust will be biggest in western and southern parts of the country. The dust cloud has significantly reduced visibility in large parts of the country, including the capital Athens. The southern island of Crete was particularly hard hit, with western areas reporting airborne dust levels exceeding 50 µg/m³. Local health authorities have advised individuals with respiratory issues, young children, and the elderly to limit outdoor activities. Meteorologists forecast that conditions will begin to improve from Friday onwards.

General characteristics In the northern mainland and the Aegean, rains and sporadic storms strong in places until the morning hours. In the rest of the areas, a few clouds temporarily increasing with local rains until the afternoon. From the evening the weather improved throughout the country. Locally limited visibility in the west during the evening hours. Meteorological conditions favor the transport of African dust mainly to the southeast. Winds until the morning hours will be variable 3 to 4 Beaufort, while the eastern island country will blow southeast 4 to 6 Beaufort. Westerly winds will gradually prevail, up to 6 Beaufort in the southern seas. The temperature will not change appreciably. It will reach 14 to 17 degrees in the north and 17 to 19 degrees Celsius in the rest.   MACEDONIA, THRACE Weather: In western Macedonia a few clouds temporarily increased mainly in the afternoon-afternoon with local rains. In the rest of the areas increased clouds with local rains and sporadic storms. The phenomena which until the morning in central and eastern Macedonia will be strong in places, will gradually weaken from the west. Winds: Variable 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 10 to 17 degrees Celsius. In western Macedonia it will be 3 to 4 degrees lower.   IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIROS, WEST STEREA, WEST PELOPONNISOS Weather: A few clouds at times increased with local rain and possibly isolated storms, in the morning hours in the Ionian and in the afternoon-afternoon in the continental. Winds: Variable light and gradually from west directions 3 to 4, in the south to 5 Beaufort. Temperature: From 09 to 17 degrees Celsius. In the interior of Epirus it will be 3 to 4 degrees lower.   EASTERN STEREA, EVIA, EASTERN PELOPONNISOS Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased, with a chance of local rain until the afternoon. Winds: Variable light and gradually westerly 3 to 5, locally south to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 09 to 18 degrees Celsius.   CYCLADES, CRETE Weather: Temporarily increased clouds with local rains and sporadic storms mainly in the midday and afternoon hours. Gradual improvement from afternoon. Winds: From west directions 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.   EAST AEGEAN ISLANDS - DODECANISE Weather: Temporarily increased clouds with local rains and sporadic storms strong in places until the morning hours. Improvement in the evening. Winds: In the islands of the eastern Aegean, southeast 4 to 5, gradually turning to westerlies 3 to 4 Beaufort. In the Dodecanese southeast 4 to 6 Beaufort and gradually west northwest with the same intensity. Temperature: From 12 to 19 degrees Celsius.   THESSALY Weather: A few temporarily increased clouds, with a few local rains mainly in the afternoon hours. Winds: Changeable conditions and in the Sporades temporary west northwest up to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 10 to 16 degrees Celsius.   ATTICA Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased, with a chance of local rain until the afternoon. Winds: Variable light and gradually westerly to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 17 degrees Celsius.   THESSALONIKI Weather: Increased clouds with local rains, temporarily strong until the morning hours in the eastern parts of the prefecture. Winds: Northwest 3 to 4 Beaufort and gradually variable winds. Temperature: From 11 to 17 degrees Celsius.   FORECAST FOR SUNDAY 03-03-2024 A few clouds temporarily increasing until the afternoon. Local rains or showers will occur in the morning hours in the eastern Aegean islands and Thrace and in the afternoon-afternoon possibly in the western, central and northern continental areas. Visibility in the morning and evening hours will be locally limited. Meteorological conditions favor the transport of African dust mainly in the central and southern regions. Winds to the south will blow from westerly directions 3 to 5 Beaufort with gradual weakening from noon. In the rest of the country, 3 to 4 Beaufort will be variable and from midday they will blow from southerly directions with the same intensity. The temperature will not change appreciably. It will reach 14 to 16 degrees in the northern continents, 17 to 19 degrees in the rest of the continents and 20 degrees Celsius in places in the island country.

The intense phenomena that will start from the west will quickly spread to the central and eastern mainland, the Cyclades and Crete and gradually to the islands of the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese. The phenomena will be accompanied by strengthened southeasterly winds up to 7 and locally in the Ionian 8 Beaufort and possibly by hail. Which areas will be affected and when? On Sunday (25-02-24) heavy rains and storms are predicted from the evening hours in the Ionian Islands, the western and southern Peloponnese and western Crete. On Monday (26-02-24): It will rain from the early morning hours in central Macedonia, Thessaly (mainly the east), eastern Sterea (temporarily including Attica), the Cyclades, Crete (mainly the south) and temporarily in western Macedonia and the Peloponnese with gradual weakening of the phenomena from the afternoon. From the midday hours, the islands of the eastern Aegean (from Chios and further south) and the Dodecanese will be affected. On Tuesday (27-02-24): The intense effects will be maintained in the southern regions of the Dodecanese and will gradually weaken by noon.

The temperatures, however, according to Mr. Arniakos, will not drop much, they will drop a bit due to the cloudiness, but due to the southerlies they will remain at 15-16 degrees Celsius, more reminiscent of October and November than February. In particular, things change from tonight, as bad weather is coming from the west and mainly from the northern Ionian and Epirus, with rains and storms that will gradually spread over almost the entire country tomorrow Sunday, after today's 20s which we had in Crete, Central Greece and Peloponnese. Where the phenomena will be intense "The most difficult day will be Monday, where the rains and storms will be universal, while the strongest effects will be in the west, the Ionian, Epirus, Aetoloakarnania, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Thrace, the islands of the northern and eastern Aegean but also the Dodecanese, emphasizes the meteorologist. In the rest of the regions we will have rain and temporary storms, including in Attica, which is determined from Sunday night until shortly before noon on Monday. "The phenomena in Attica will be temporary, they will not last more than two or three hours and slowly the weather will improve from noon on Monday", he adds. Very strong southerlies up to 9 Beaufort - Ships tied up in ports A key element will also be the very strong south winds, notes Mr. Arniakos, which will reach 7 to 8 Beaufort, even 9 Beaufort is not excluded, pinning the ships in the ports. In addition, a few snows will fall at high altitudes, due to the south winds, in the mountains of Epirus and Western Macedonia, and then also in the mountains of Central Greece, without, however, substantial difficulty, neither in the movements nor in the temperatures, concludes the meteorologist in CNN Greece. Meteo's forecast Hail, African dust, gusty winds and heavy rain are expected to be the main weather features from tomorrow, Sunday (11/02), according to Meteo. The "express" bad weather will start with rain in areas of Western and Northern Greece. In the afternoon, the phenomena in the northwest will intensify and locally strong storms will occur, while until the evening the weather will show a similar deterioration in the Ionian Islands, the western mainland, Eastern Macedonia, Thrace and parts of the Peloponnese. From late evening, the Central and Eastern Continent will be affected, including Attica and Evia. On Monday 12/2 the strong phenomena which will initially affect several areas, will progressively be located mainly in the north-eastern country (with high levels of rain), in the islands of the Eastern Aegean and in parts of the Cyclades and from the evening in the Dodecanese. Also, rains and storms will continue until the afternoon in places in Western Greece. Southeasterly winds of 7-8 Beaufort will blow in the Aegean, but after noon they will show a progressive weakening and turn to the southwest. African dust concentrations will remain elevated. The EMY Emergency Bulletin The EMY issued an emergency bulletin, stating that heavy rains and storms are going to follow the spring landscape from noon on Sunday. In particular, a worsening of the weather with heavy rains and storms is predicted in most parts of the country from the early afternoon of Sunday (11/2) until the evening of Monday (12/02). The intense phenomena that will start from the northwest will gradually extend to the rest of the west, the northeast mainland, the islands of the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese, while parts of the central country will also be temporarily affected. The winds in the seas will be strong and will reach 7 to 8 and locally in the Aegean 9 Beaufort. In detail, heavy rains are expected on Sunday: From midday hours in the northern Ionian and Epirus. From the afternoon hours in the southern Ionian, western Sterea, eastern Macedonia and Thrace. From the evening hours in the western and possibly the southern Peloponnese. On Monday are expected: In places in the early hours of the morning in Ionia, Epirus, western Sterea and western Peloponnese, with a rapid weakening of the phenomena from the north. From the early hours of the morning in the eastern parts of central Macedonia, eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with a gradual weakening of the phenomena from noon. Partly cloudy in the early morning hours in eastern Peloponnese, eastern Sterea (including Attica) and southern Evia. In the morning hours, it is possible that the northern Cyclades will also be temporarily affected. From the morning hours on the islands of the eastern Aegean. The intense effects from the afternoon will be limited to the southernmost parts and will gradually weaken. From the afternoon in the Dodecanese. During the night to Tuesday the strong effects will be limited to the area of Kastellorizos and will gradually weaken. Stormy southerlies will blow from the early hours of Sunday (11-02-24): In the Aegean with intensity 7 to 8 and temporarily up to 9 Beaufort. From midday on Monday, the stormy winds will be limited to the Dodecanese region and will gradually weaken. In the Ionian Sea with an intensity of 7 to 8 Beaufort and gradual weakening from the midday hours of Sunday.

According to the network of 53 meteorological stations of the Observatory's meteo.gr that have been in continuous operation since  2010, the average of the maximum daily temperatures this January reached high levels across Greece, compared to the average of the period 2010-2019. The highest positive temperature deviations were recorded in western Macedonia, with monthly average values ranging up to 3 ° C above normal for the season. In western and central Greece, the Peloponnese, and the Aegean Islands, smaller deviations of +1.3 ° C to +1.6 ° C were recorded. The highest positive temperature deviations - up to 12 ° C above normal for the season - were recorded in the first ten days of January and mainly in northern Greece. The coldest period with negative deviations in eastern Greece occurred during the last five days of the month, when the "Αvgi" weather front swept through the country. In Athens, the average monthly deviation of the maximum temperature was +0.5 ° C, with 18 out of 31 days being warmer than normal for the season. In Thessaloniki, 19 days of the month were warmer than the average of the period 2010-2019, with the average maximum temperature of the month being +1.9 ° C above normal levels. 

Based on the forecast, the high pressure in the northwestern Balkans combined with low pressure in the Eastern Mediterranean have given rise to gale-force winds and plunged temperatures, with strong rain in southern parts of the country and the islands. Snow is forecast from Thessaly southward. Areas that can expect snow on Tuesday include Thessaly and the Sporades islands, eastern Central Greece (Boeotia, Fthiotida), Evia, Attica, the north and east Peloponnese and Crete. Conditions will start to gradually improve from Tuesday night or even Wednesday. Northerly winds in the Aegean Sea up to 9-10 Beaufort, accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms, keep ships docked at the ports. Schools in Evia, Boeotia and specific areas in Attica will operate via remote learning.

In particular, as highlighted in the announcement, for special safety reasons in order to avoid causing traffic problems and due to the occurrence of adverse weather conditions, with decisions of the Traffic Police Directorate of Attica and the Police Directorate of Boeotia, will not be allowed to traffic all kinds of heavy vehicles of maximum permissible weight of more than 3.5 tons, regardless of the use of anti-slip chains from 22: 00΄hour on 28-01-2024 until the phenomena subsides on both traffic streams P. E.E.O. Elefsina - Thebes from the 5th km (REVOIL petrol station - former CYCLON) of Attica to the 34th of E.E.O. Elefsina - Thebes of Boeotia. The following are excluded from the above prohibition: -Road assistance vehicles. -Vehicles carrying salt. -Emergency vehicles. In addition, by decision of the Director of Traffic Police of Attica, from 22:00 on Monday night (29/1), cars of all categories must be equipped with anti-slip chains or other similar anti-slip means, if these vehicles do not have special tires when driving on the entire road network of the prefecture of Attica. Furthermore, due to the imminent outbreak of severe weather phenomena. Snow in the mountains of Evia - Schools will not operate until Wednesday in the Municipality of Mantoudiou - Agia Anna and Limni The snow has made its appearance in the mountains of Evia and it is already snowing since Sunday night in the villages of Seta and Steni, while snowfall will intensify today, Monday and Tuesday. The entire forces of the Region of Central Greece and the municipalities have been put on alert, but so far there are no problems. In "red" alert are also the machines in southern Fthiotida and the municipalities of Kamena Vourla and Lokron, while in Martino have gathered many snowplows to intervene when needed. As announced, schools in the municipality of Mantoudi - Agia Anna and Limni will be closed as a precautionary measure from Monday until Wednesday. It is noted that in cases where face-to-face classes are not held due to bad weather, classes will be held online. As for the other areas of Evia, depending on the extension of the phenomena, decisions will be taken in the morning.   The Risk Assessment Committee for the bad weather meets again today, Monday at 12:00 Professionalism and seriousness from all called yesterday Sunday the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, in view of the bad weather, after the conclusion of successive meetings held in the Civil Protection. Earlier, the Risk Assessment Committee met, followed by an Inter-ministerial Committee meeting on the worsening weather and operational coordination of all stakeholders. Mr. Kikilias advised everyone to be careful and avoid travel in areas that will be affected by bad weather, while he noted that a new meeting of the Risk Assessment Committee will be held today, Monday at 12 noon, where final decisions will be taken on any traffic restrictions. As Mr. Kikilias said, this is a bad weather, which it seems will hit - mainly on Tuesday and possibly from the evening hours of Monday, and may extend to Wednesday - areas of Attica, Attikovoitia, part of Magnesia, Thessaly, Evia and Crete.   EMY: Where there will be snowfall Snowfall in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Thessaly, Sporades, central and eastern Sterea, Euboea, northern and eastern Peloponnese and from noon onwards in areas of lower altitude. Snowfall will occur in the mountainous areas of the Aegean islands and in the mountainous areas of Crete. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS In the eastern mainland and in the Aegean local rain or sleet and in the sea and coastal areas thunderstorms. From noon onwards, the phenomena will be locally strong mainly in the Sporades, Evia, the Cyclades and Crete. Snowfall will occur in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Thessaly, Sporades, central and eastern Sterea, Evia, northern and eastern Peloponnese, Crete and in the mountainous areas of the Aegean islands. From noon in Thessaly, Sporades, eastern Sterea, Euboea and eastern and northern Peloponnese, snowfall will intensify and snow will also fall in areas with lower altitude (indicatively 300-400m). In the rest of the country, a few clouds in Macedonia and Thrace where light snowfall will occur. Winds will blow in the west east northeast 3 to 5 Beaufort and in the east north northeast 4 to 6 and in the Aegean 7 and locally 8 Beaufort. The temperature will drop slightly further, mainly in the east. It will range in the central and northern areas from -05 (minus 5) to 08 to 09 degrees Celsius, in the rest of the continent from -02 (minus 2) to 12 degrees and in the islands from 05 to 12 degrees Celsius. In the morning and evening hours in the continental areas there will be frost, which will be strong in the north. MACEDONIA, THRACE Weather. Winds: North northeastern 4 to 6 and in the east locally 7 Beaufort. Temperature: From -03 (minus 3) to 09 degrees Celsius. In western Macedonia 3 to 4 degrees lower. IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIRUS, WESTERN SOLID, WESTERN PELOPONNESE, WESTERN PELOPONNESE. Weather: a few local clouds. Northwestern Greece: Eastern northeastern 3 to 5 Beaufort. Temperature: From -02 (minus 2) to 12 degrees Celsius. In the interior of Epirus 3 to 4 degrees lower. EASTERN SOLIDIA, EUBOEA, EASTERN PELOPONNESE Weather. Snowfall will initially occur in the mountains and semi-mountains, which will intensify from midday and snow will also fall in areas of relatively low altitude (about 300-400m). Winds: North northeast 4 to 6 Beaufort, in the east 7 and gradually up to 8 Beaufort. Temperature: From -02 (minus 2) to 08 degrees Celsius. CYCLADES, CRETE Weather: clouds with local showers and occasional thunderstorms, from noon onwards, occasionally heavy in places. Snowfall will occur in the mountains and in the semi-mountainous areas of Crete (around 600m). Winds: North northeastern 6 to 7 and gradually in places 8 Beaufort. Temperature: From 05 to 10 degrees. EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS - DODECANESE Weather: a few clouds, partly cloudy with local showers and isolated thunderstorms. Snowfall will occur in the mountains of the eastern Aegean islands. Winds: North northeastern 6 to 7 and gradually locally 8 Beaufort. Temperature: From 07 to 12 degrees Celsius. In the north 3 to 4 degrees lower. THESSALY Weather: cloudy with local rain or sleet and in the Sporades sporadic thunderstorms. From noon onwards, the phenomena will be occasionally strong in the Sporades. Snowfall will occur in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, which will intensify from noon and at night snow will also fall in areas of relatively low altitude (about 300-400m). Winds: From northern directions 4 to 6 and in the Sporades up to 7 Beaufort. Temperature: From -03 (minus 3) to 08 degrees Celsius. ATTICA Weather. Snowfall will occur in mountainous and gradually in semi-mountainous areas which will intensify from the evening and at night snow will fall in areas of relatively low altitude (indicatively 300-400m). Winds: North northeast 4 to 6 and in the east 7 Beaufort. Temperature: From 03 to 08 degrees Celsius. THESSALONIKI Weather. Sunny, light breezes: North northwestern 4 to 6 and in the morning up to 7 Beaufort. Temperature: From -01 (minus 1) to 08 degrees Celsius. FORECAST FOR TOMORROW TUESDAY 30-01-2024 In the eastern and southern part of the country, clouds with rain or sleet and in the sea and coastal areas, sporadic thunderstorms mainly in the Sporades, Evia, Cyclades and Crete. Snowfall will occur even in areas with lower altitude in Thessaly, the Sporades, central and eastern Sterea, Evia, eastern and northern Peloponnese, as well as in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of the northern and eastern Aegean islands, the Cyclades and Crete. In the rest of the country, a few clouds are forecast for the rest of the country. Winds will blow north northeast, in the west 4 to 6 Beaufort, in the east 6 to 8 and in the Aegean 8 to 9 and locally up to 10 Beaufort. The temperature will remain low and will range in the north from -06 (minus 6) to 09 degrees Celsius, in the rest of the western continent from -03 (minus 3) to 12, in the eastern continent from -03 (minus 3) to 10 and in the island country from 05 to 13 degrees Celsius. In the morning and evening hours on the continents there will be frost, which will be locally heavy in the north.