A Record-Breaking Heatwave
Greece experienced an extraordinary weather shift over the weekend, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels for March. In the city of Livadia, central Greece, the mercury hit 31.4°C (88.5°F) on Saturday, the highest temperature ever recorded in the country during this month, according to Digi24.
Meteorologists attribute this unusual warmth to Saharan dust clouds, which contributed to a heatwave more typical of late spring than early March. Across Greece, many regions saw similar record-breaking temperatures, making this the 13th warmest winter in the country’s history.
A Sudden Drop to Freezing Conditions
Despite the summer-like conditions, forecasters warn that Greece is about to experience a dramatic shift. By Tuesday, an incoming cold air mass will bring widespread rain and snowfall, causing temperatures to plummet.
“In Athens, where today we have 27°C, the maximum temperature will drop to 11°C. This is a rollercoaster,” meteorologist Panagiotis Giannopoulos told ERT. The sudden freeze will also impact northern Greece, where recent highs of 27°C will be replaced by subzero temperatures, raising concerns for the agricultural sector.
Climate Change and Growing Concerns
The extreme weather fluctuations highlight Greece’s vulnerability to climate change. In 2024, the country experienced both its warmest summer and warmest winter on record. Experts warn that such abrupt temperature swings, along with wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events, will become more frequent.
The anticipated frost could severely damage fruit trees, which are already in bloom due to the unseasonable warmth. Authorities remain on alert, urging farmers to prepare for potential crop losses as Greece braces for yet another climate anomaly.
