Weather Alert: A 24-hour ‘Cold Photovolida’ Approaching with Snow, Rain, and Thunderstorms

The phrase “March biting like a bad paloukokautis” perfectly encapsulates the wild weather scene that will dominate the coming days. After experiencing temperatures reaching up to 30°C over the weekend, by Tuesday (18.03.2025), Greece is set for a dramatic shift into a winter-like photovolida, with temperatures plummeting by 16-20°C. The weather will no longer feel like an early summer preview but instead bring cold conditions across many regions. Cold weather, rain, and thunderstorms are forecasted for most parts of the country, with winds reaching up to 8-9 Beaufort in the Aegean and snowfall in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of mainland Greece. According to meteorologist Yiannis Kallianos, temporary snow showers are expected in most mountainous areas of mainland Greece, from the Peloponnese to Thrace. In northern Greece, snow could even reach semi-flat areas above 200-300 meters. Attica will start feeling the chill from Tuesday evening, with the coldest day being Wednesday. Here’s a temperature breakdown for key cities: Athens – Sunday: 26°C, Monday: 22°C, Tuesday: 17°C, Wednesday: 10°C; Thessaloniki – Sunday: 24°C, Monday: 20°C, Tuesday: 12°C, Wednesday: 12°C; Patras – Sunday: 21°C, Monday: 16°C, Tuesday: 16°C, Wednesday: 12°C; Heraklion – Sunday: 32°C, Monday: 22°C, Tuesday: 18°C, Wednesday: 12°C; Nafplio – Sunday: 26°C, Monday: 22°C, Tuesday: 18°C, Wednesday: 12°C; Florina – Saturday: 28°C, Sunday: 21°C, Monday: 14°C, Tuesday: 5°C, Wednesday: 8°C. By Thursday, temperatures are expected to rise again, reaching 18-21°C. On Tuesday, increased cloudiness with local rains and sporadic thunderstorms is expected in western, eastern Macedonia, Thrace, and northern Aegean. Weather phenomena will gradually extend eastward, affecting the rest of the mainland, northern Sporades, Evia, and by afternoon the Cyclades, Crete, and eastern Aegean. Snowfall is anticipated initially in northern mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, eventually spreading to other mountainous regions and central Greece’s semi-mountainous areas. Winds will blow from northern directions at 5-7 Beaufort, strengthening in the Aegean locally to 8-9 Beaufort by afternoon. Temperatures will drop significantly, especially in northern and central Greece by 8-10°C. Frost may occur in northern continental areas overnight.