Temperatures rise slightly as Northern Greece remains in deep freeze

Cloud cover with light, localized rainfall is forecast for Crete, the Cyclades, the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese, while light snowfall is expected in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Crete until midday. Elsewhere, weather conditions will be largely fair, with intermittent cloudiness in the north.

Frost is expected during the morning and evening hours across the mainland, with locally severe frost in northern regions early in the day. Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach around 8°C in northern mainland areas and between 10°C and 13°C elsewhere.

Strong northerly winds will continue to affect maritime areas, reaching up to gale force in parts of the southeastern Aegean before gradually easing later in the day.

Despite the slight warming trend, northern Greece remained firmly “in the freezer” on Tuesday morning, with temperatures well below zero in several areas. The lowest temperature was recorded in Ochyro, in the region of Drama, where the mercury dropped to -16°C. Temperatures of -11°C were reported in Lailias, Serres, and Neochori in Halkidiki.

Sub-zero conditions were also recorded in Kozani, Grevena, Lagadas, Paranesti and Florina, while in Thessaloniki temperatures hovered around freezing, falling to -1°C in western districts of the city.

Due to icy conditions, schools in several municipalities across northern Greece opened later than usual. In parts of Halkidiki, including Arnaia, Stanos, Palaiochori and Megali Panagia, schools and kindergartens began classes one hour later. Similar delays were reported in Polygros and surrounding areas, as well as in Florina, where schools opened at 9:15 a.m. by mayoral decision.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Central Macedonia reiterated that vehicles traveling across the regional road network in Imathia, Kilkis, Pella, Pieria, Serres and Halkidiki must be equipped with snow chains, particularly on routes leading to ski resorts and in areas affected by ice.

Weather conditions are expected to remain generally stable over the coming days, with gradual temperature increases midweek, though frost will persist during early morning hours in inland areas.