Significant drop in temperature expected weekendBye snow falls will be recorded up to the low levels of the eastern and southern countries, inclusive Atticaaccording to a newer analysis of its prognostic data National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr.

Emergency briefing, at 19:30, by a representative of the fire department about the upcoming bad weather

The reason for this weather change will be the atmospheric circulation over Europe in the coming days, which will be characterized by the development of a high pressure field that will stretch from northwestern Africa to Scandinavia.

In combination with low pressure in eastern and southeastern Europe, this will allow the transfer of cold air masses to the Balkans and to our country.

At the same time, the specific arrangement of atmospheric circulation will be characterized by the movement of microdisturbances of the upper troposphere from the northeast towards our country, which will contribute to the occurrence of significant snowfalls in the east and south of the country. .

• A significant drop in temperature gradually from Saturday evening from north to south, which will be felt throughout the country until Sunday noon. Cooling will be 8-10, and in places 10-12 degrees.
• Snowfall to low altitudes (from continental to flat parts) is expected mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the country, with an emphasis on Sporades, southeastern Thessaly, Evia, Boeotia, Attica, Cyclades, eastern Peloponnese. and Crete. Temporary snowfalls are also likely in parts of Thrace, the islands of the northeast Aegean and Halkidiki.
• North wind, strengthening up to 7-8 points, in some places up to 9 points on the Beaufort scale.
• Severe frosts in the north, where in some areas it will be solid frost.
• Finally, according to meteorological data, the exact movement and time of arrival in our country of these microdisturbances of the upper troposphere, which significantly determine the intensity and scale of snowfalls, remain extremely uncertain predictively.

Advice from the Health Service to citizens in connection with bad weather BARBARA

The recommendation to citizens to be especially careful to take measures to protect themselves against the risks arising from the occurrence of intense weather events is addressed to the General Secretariat of Civil Weather Protection under the name of BARBARA.

In particular, in areas where snowfalls and frosts are predicted, the General Directorate of Civil Protection recommends that citizens:

If they are going to travel by car:

• Be aware of the weather and the state of the road network
• Have snow chains on your vehicle and a full tank of fuel.
• Travel as needed, preferably during the day, preferring major roads.
• To inform your relatives about the route they are going to take
• Change your travel schedule to avoid peak weather.
• Conscientiously follow the instructions of local authorities such as the Road Traffic Authority, etc.

If walking:

• Dress in several layers of light clothing rather than heavy clothing and wear suitable footwear to avoid slippery injuries.
• To avoid unnecessary movements during the peak of phenomena (heavy snowfall, frost)

In addition, in areas where heavy rainfall, storms or gale-force winds are expected:

• To secure objects that, if blown away by severe weather conditions, could cause damage or injury.
• Make sure the gutters and downspouts of the houses are clear and working properly.
• Avoid crossing streams and streams on foot or by car during thunderstorms and rain, and for several hours after they end.
• Avoid working outdoors and operating in sea and coastal areas during adverse weather conditions (danger of lightning strikes).
• Take cover immediately during hail. Take shelter in a building or car and do not leave the safe area until they are sure the storm has passed. Hail can be very dangerous for animals too.
• Avoid walking under large trees, under posted signs, and in public areas where light objects (eg pots, broken glass, etc.) can break off and fall to the ground (eg under balconies).
• Conscientiously follow the instructions of local authorities such as the Road Traffic Authority, etc.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (www.civilprotection.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crises and Civil Protection has informed the relevant competent state authorities, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be in an enhanced civil protection regime. readiness to face directly the consequences of the occurrence of intense weather events.

At the same time, operational plans “DARDANOS 2” and “NORTH 2” are being implemented to combat the risks of floods and snowfalls, as well as related events, while the fire services of areas where events are expected should be put on high alert. and, where necessary, further strengthened to deal promptly with any problems arising from the occurrence of severe weather events.

Citizens can visit the ELAS website www.astynomia.gr for information and announcements about the current situation and the trafficability of the road network due to flood waters or snowfall and frost.

For more information and guidance on self-protection from the weather, citizens can visit the website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection at www.civilprotection.gr.

It is noted that according to the emergency bulletin on dangerous weather released today by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), cold air masses from Northern Europe will move further south and from Sunday (05/05) will cause bad weather in our country with the name BARBARA. 02/2023). The main features will be low temperatures, severe frost, sometimes heavy snowfalls even in the lowlands of Eastern Greece, as well as storm northerly winds of 8 to 9 Beaufort at sea.

Every day, citizens can be aware of the development of extreme weather events in regular EMR weather reports and on the EMR website at the online address www.emy.gr.