Water ice

The Risk Assessment Committee convened today on the development of the “Atena” storm that has been affecting the country since yesterday.

Heavy rainfall is anticipated in 17 regions of Bulgaria today. According to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, an orange code for heavy rainfall has been issued for 12 regions, while a yellow code is in effect for another 7 regions.

A recent report by the Turkish State Meteorological Service has revealed a significant decrease in the duration of snow cover in Türkiye over the past five decades, sparking concerns among experts.

Less than a month after it opened for winter, the ski resort of Agriolefkes on Mount Pilio, central Greece, has suspended its operation due to a lack of snow, the company running it announced on Saturday.

The decision was taken because insufficient snow cover affects safety, it said, adding that it will reopen when weather conditions allow it.

A fire service truck clears the snow from the road near Lake Beletsi in Ippokrateios Politia, about 35 kilometers north of Athens, Tuesday. The Avgi cold weather front hit the Greek capital and outskirts, bringing low temperatures and even snow in mid to high-altitude areas. The weather is anticipated to progressively improve on Wednesday as Avgi retreats.

Several parts of Türkiye witnessed snowfall, including Istanbul, as cold weather grips the country, with experts warning citizens against freezing rain and snowfall expected to continue in the coming days.

People in Istanbul, which is on "yellow alert," signifying a potential threat by a weather event, witnessed snow and hail.

From Sunday through to Wednesday, mainland Greece is projected to experience a significant decrease in temperatures alongside local snowfall in its mountainous areas. In Attica specifically, snowfall is predicted to intensify starting Monday afternoon in mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, extending to lower-altitude areas by evening.

From Tuesday evening heavy snow is expected in central and northern Germany. The southern parts of Germany can expect "heavy freezing rain".

Only a small layer of artificial snow creates the necessary conditions for skiers in the Alps. Europe, including Greece, is gradually losing its snow due to climate change, with serious effects not only on the economy, since ski tourism is severely affected, but also on the environment.

Responding swiftly to reports of hazardous icicles forming on bridge structures and overpasses, the teams from the "Emergency Assistance and Prevention" Directorate of the Metropolitan Municipality are taking action.