A biting cold snap will grip Greece as it ushers in the New Year, bringing plummeting temperatures and the potential for rare low-altitude snowfall in the Athens region, forecasters have said.
Meteorologist Yiannis Kallianos warned that a "polar air mass" is descending on the country, creating a brief but intense window for snow just as 2025 transitions to 2026.
Mr. Kallianos said the most significant weather activity is expected around midnight on New Year’s Eve.
While widespread blizzards are not forecast, light snow could fall in the northern and northeastern suburbs of Attica at elevations as low as 250 meters (820 feet).
"This is a wintry transition," Mr. Kallianos said, noting that while the snow may not accumulate heavily, the cold will be sharp.
He added that the system is driven by northerly winds that will sweep across the Aegean, intensifying the chill but limiting the moisture needed for heavy accumulation in the capital.
Snow at Sea Level?
In a notable shift, the system could bring brief snowfall to sea-level areas in the island regions. Forecasters predict flakes could fall on Skyros, the Northern Sporades, and northern Aegean islands including Lemnos and Thasos.
On the mainland, snow is forecast for:
- Central Greece and Evia: At elevations above 300 meters (1,000 feet).
- Northern Peloponnese: Above 700 meters (2,300 feet).
- Crete: Mountainous areas above 700 meters on New Year's Day.
Authorities have advised travelers in mountainous zones to carry snow chains and stay updated on local forecasts, as the microclimate-driven weather could result in sudden, localized changes.