Storm Kristin began to dissipate Friday, offering Greece a brief respite before a more potent weather system strikes the country this weekend.
While the National Meteorological Service reported that gale-force winds and heavy rains are subsiding across most of the mainland, forecasters warned the lull will be short-lived. Meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias cautioned that a "tough new system" is tracking toward the region and is expected to make landfall Saturday night.
"Friday will be a day of weather relief, but a tough new system is coming," Mr. Tsatrafyllias stated.
The departing storm left scattered showers in the eastern Aegean and mountainous areas of Crete, though winds in the seas are dropping below 6 on the Beaufort scale.
Temperatures on Friday are expected to reach 16 degrees Celsius (61 degrees Fahrenheit) in Athens and up to 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) in Crete.
However, conditions will deteriorate sharply late Saturday. T
he incoming front is forecast to bring intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, specifically targeting southwestern Greece, the Cyclades, and Crete—areas already saturated by recent downpours.
Light snow is also predicted for northern mountain ranges.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone coastal zones to remain vigilant as the weather turns volatile once again overnight Saturday.