More wintry weather on the way

Greece was bracing for more wintry weather on Thursday, with heavy rain, gale-force winds and snow expected across multiple regions.

According to the national weather service, EMY, heavy rainfall is forecast in Attica, eastern Thessaly (Magnesia), the Sporades, Evia, eastern Central Greece (mainly Fthiotida and Viotia), the Cyclades and the eastern Peloponnese, with sporadic thunderstorms at sea. 

Winds will reach up to 9 Beaufort in Thrace, the northeastern Aegean, and parts of Evia, with gusts intensifying through the day. 

Snow will also blanket the country’s higher mountains, including in Crete, and spread to lower-lying areas of central and northern Greece. Particularly dense snow is expected in eastern Macedonia and Thrace. 

Temperatures will drop, with highs of 5-9 degrees Celsius in the north and up to 15C in the Ionian and southern islands. Frost is expected in northwest mainland areas overnight.

The rain will continue in eastern Greece, the Cyclades, Crete and the southern Dodecanese on Friday, with thunderstorms likely in coastal zones. 

Snowfall will affect higher elevations, including central and northern areas, EMY reported, adding that northeasterly winds will persist, reaching 9 Beaufort in the Aegean before weakening by afternoon. 

Temperatures will dip further, with northern regions peaking at just 5-7C. Frost will remain a concern in inland areas, especially in the northwest.

Authorities advise caution and warn of possible disruptions, particularly in regions forecast to experience flooding, strong winds and icy conditions.