Following weeks of severe storms and localized flooding that dampened earlier carnival celebrations, Greece is basking in mostly sunny skies today for Clean Monday, offering ideal conditions for the holiday's traditional kite-flying.
Meteorologists Theodoros Kolydas and Giorgos Tsatrafyllias confirmed the favorable holiday forecast, noting that brisk northern winds have successfully cleared away lingering atmospheric haze across the country.
"The weather strongly favors Clean Monday's kite-flying," Mr. Tsatrafyllias said. "Storms are fading in the eastern islands and the Dodecanese, and conditions are improving steadily."
Clean Monday, which falls on Feb. 23 this year, marks the official beginning of Eastern Orthodox Lent. Hundreds of thousands of Greeks traditionally head to parks, beaches, and hillsides to fly kites and share meat-free picnic feasts.
While the vast majority of the country will enjoy crisp, clear weather through midweek, Mr. Kolydas predicted that any remaining rainfall will be strictly isolated to the northern parts of Crete.
Otherwise, he expects prolonged dry conditions nationwide as winds gradually ease.
The sunny break comes as a much-needed relief for revelers, ensuring that the final outdoor parades and regional holiday festivities can proceed uninterrupted.