Greece bracing for “Sophia” cold front to hit on Thursday

A brief lull after the weather system “ Raphael,” which brought rain and low temperatures at the New Year, will be followed by a second bout of bad weather in Greece as the weather system “ Sophia” heads south from the polar ice caps, reaching most of the country on Thursday, ANA reports.

Greece's General Secretariat for Civil Protection warned about the new cold front that was forecast to begin last night and intensify through Saturday, local authorities in Attica and across the country on Wednesday convened with members of rescue services to discuss their readiness to deal with the fallout of the bad weather.

According to the secretariat, the cold front is expected to hit the country’s northwest on Wednesday night, bringing heavy snowfall and low temperatures to many parts along with storms at sea.

Athens and its wider region of Attica is expected to be hit by a cold snap and heavy rain from Thursday through Saturday.

Meteorologists expect almost unprecedented low temperatures, especially in central and northern Greece. The forecast says the temperature will fall to -17 degrees Celsius in the morning of Thursday.

The barometric low called “Sophia” will impact as “Rafael”, which brought snow and heavy storms across Greece, gradually fades on Wednesday and temperatures will return to normal for this time of the year.

“Rafael” caused many problems in the road network, while many areas in the north and central regions of the country were covered in snow.

The Greek Meteorological Services (EMY) predicts cloudy patches for Attica with the temperature ranging between 5 and 13 degrees.

Thessaloniki will also be affected by clouds which are expected to gradually increase leading to local rain or snow in the mountainous areas overnight and the temperature reaching from -2 to a high of 9 degrees.

According to the forecast, it is almost certain to snow in Thessaloniki from Thursday onwards, while Attica will also experience snowfall in areas higher than a 300-metre altitude, most probably in the northern suburbs.

The freezing weather is predicted to hit from Thursday, nevertheless the harsh cold and dense snowfall, in some instances, even in lowland areas of central and northern Greece, will continue for the next ten days.

Most of the country, with the exception of the islands in the Aegean, will see a brief improvement in the weather on Wednesday as ‘Raphael’ withdraws eastward but the oncoming weather system “ Sophia” will reach the Ionian Sea and the northwest late on Wednesday night, bringing rain and snow to Epirus, Macedonia, Thessaly and then Central Greece during the course of the night, ANA reports.

Very low temperatures may lead to thick snow at even low altitudes and gale-force winds at sea, with snow forecast to be thickest in Evia, Central Macedonia, eastern Thessaly, east and central mainland Greece and in the city of Thessaloniki on Thursday.

Meteo urges motorists to avoid driving in difficult conditions and poor roads, keep a safe distance between moving vehicles and to stay in their car if this is immobilised for any reason, running the engine for 10 minutes each hour and ensuring the exhaust pipe remains clear of snow.

It also advised the public to take precautions against water pipes freezing, especially pipes to solar water heaters, turning off the solar heater’s water supply and emptying the water tank, especially at night.

For those going outdoors, meteo recommends heading to a safe location that is not exposed to the storm, wearing several layers of light and warm clothing rather than one or two thick items of clothing, as well as wearing warm, waterproof boots and outerwear.

Those moving by car should use snow chains and inform someone of the route they intend to follow, while those moving about the city are advised to use public transport. 

Municipal authorities will operate a heated venue for the homeless at central 66 Sofokleous street in Athens until Friday morning, while teams will be out in the streets seeking out those sleeping rough.

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