One barometric low will approach our country from West late in the evening of Sunday according to the latest forecast data of the National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr.
This is the third phase of the bad weather «Leander», which will be characterised by dense localised snowfall in Central and south continental and in the the mountains of Crete as well as the heavy rainfall on southern islands and coastal areas. Particularly in the west of the Crete there is a possibility loose coincidence. At the same time the very low temperatures will be maintained, while the winds in South Aegean Sea will reach the 8 and locally the 9 Beaufort.
More specifically, the temperature in Western Macedonia will range from -11 to -3 degrees Celsius, in the rest of Macedonia and Thrace from -6 to 2, in Thessaly from -6 to 3, in Epirus from -4 to 7, in Western Central and Eastern Central Greece from 2 to 7, in Eastern Central Greece and Northeastern Peloponnese from -3 to 7, in the rest of the Peloponnese from 4 to 7, in the Ionian islands from 2 to 8, in the North Aegean islands from -1 to 4, in the East Aegean islands from 1 to 6, in the Cyclades from 1 to 7, in the Dodecanese from 2 to 8 and in Crete from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Winds in the North Aegean will initially blow from northeastern directions 4 to 6 Beaufort, but from noon onwards they will become northerly 3 to 5 Beaufort. In the Central Aegean, winds will blow from the north at 4 to 6 Beaufort. In the South Aegean, winds will initially blow from variable directions from 3 to 5 Beaufort, from the morning they will become northeasterly 6 to 8 and occasionally up to 9 Beaufort, while in the afternoon they will shift to northerly 5 to 7 Beaufort. In the Ionian Sea the winds will initially blow from easterly directions 4 to 6 and locally up to 7 Beaufort, but from midday they will shift to north-westerly 3 to 5 and locally up to 6 Beaufort.
In Attica snowfall is expected in the mountains, semi-mountains and north of the prefecture and rain or sleet in the rest of the regions. Winds will blow from the north up to 3 and in the afternoon 2 to 4 and locally up to 5 Beaufort. The temperature in the centre of Athens will range from 2 to 6 degrees.
In Thessaloniki occasional local clouds and long periods of sunshine are expected. Winds will blow from the north up to 3 Beaufort. The temperature in the city centre will range from -3 to 2 degrees.
At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection recommends that citizens should be particularly careful, ensuring that they take measures to protect themselves from the risks posed by severe weather events.
Civil Protection: what to look out for
At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection recommends that citizens should be particularly careful, ensuring that they take measures to protect themselves from the risks posed by severe weather events.
In particular, in areas where heavy rainfall, thunderstorms or gusty winds are forecast
- Secure objects that could cause damage or injury if swept away by severe weather conditions.
- Ensure that the gutters and downspouts of residences are not blocked and are functioning properly.
- Avoid crossing streams and creeks, on foot or by vehicle, during storms and rainfall, as well as for several hours after they have ended.
- Avoid outdoor work and activities in marine and coastal areas during severe weather events (risk of lightning strikes).
- Take immediate shelter during a hailstorm. Take refuge in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until you are sure that the storm has passed. Hailstorms can also be very dangerous for animals.
- Avoid walking under large trees, hanging signs, and generally areas where light objects (e.g., flower pots, broken glass, etc.) may become detached and fall to the ground (e.g., under balconies).
- Follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as the traffic police, etc., to the letter.
Also, in areas where snowfall and frost are expected:
If they are traveling by car:
- Be informed about the weather and road conditions
- Have snow chains in their vehicle and a full tank of fuel.
- Travel, if necessary, preferably during the day, choosing main roads.
- Inform their relatives about the route they are going to take
- Change their travel plans to avoid the peak of weather events.
- Follow the instructions of the local authorities, such as the traffic police, etc., to the letter.
