Sudden Snowfall Follows Unseasonable Heat in Greece

Greece is currently experiencing a dramatic shift in weather patterns, as temperatures plummet following a period of unseasonably warm weather. In the northern region, particularly in Thessaloniki, temperatures dropped by as much as 20 degrees Celsius overnight, falling below freezing. This abrupt change has resulted in snowfall across various areas, including the port city of Thessaloniki, where the temperature fell from a balmy 20 degrees to minus two degrees by morning.

As roads became impassable and snowplows were deployed, schools in the town of Florina were closed as a precaution. Reports indicate that snowfall in parts of West Macedonia reached heights of up to ten centimeters. This sudden winter onset is causing considerable alarm among local farmers, who fear for the blossoms of cherry, pear, and plum trees, which may be adversely affected by the cold snap.

Contrastingly, the southern island of Crete continues to enjoy mild spring weather, with sunny skies and only occasional rain showers. Meteorological forecasts suggest that the frigid conditions, characterized by nighttime temperatures below freezing, are expected to persist until mid-week.

This weather volatility is not a new phenomenon for Greece, which has been witnessing significant temperature fluctuations since March. Just three weeks ago, the country recorded unprecedented high temperatures, with the central city of Livadia reaching 31.4 degrees Celsius. This extreme weather was attributed to the presence of Saharan dust in the atmosphere. Subsequently, temperatures dropped sharply across the nation, resulting in snowfall in the northern regions and freezing conditions.

According to local news sources, this abrupt change has resulted in substantial damage to early-blooming almond and cherry trees, raising concerns about agricultural productivity. The ongoing challenges posed by climate change are becoming increasingly evident, as Greece grapples with extreme weather events. The Greek meteorological agency, Meteo, has noted that the country experienced its hottest summer and warmest winter since records began last year, with high temperatures frequently leading to devastating wildfires.