Early October Snow Covers Greece’s Mountains in Rare Event
The recent snowfall in Greece marks a rare meteorological event for early October. High-altitude regions such as Mount Olympus, Kaimaktsalan, and Falakro were blanketed in snow beginning Wednesday night. This early seasonal snowfall is indicative of a notable weather pattern as temperatures plunge significantly.
Rare Early October Snowfall in Greece
Stavros Dafis, a researcher at the National Observatory of Athens’ METEO group, highlighted the rarity of this phenomenon. Typically, early October snow is an uncommon occurrence in Greece. According to Dafis, historical data shows that only four years—1983, 1989, 1995, and 2002—experienced similarly low temperatures during this month, although snowfall confirmation remains unclear.
Recent Snowfall Records
The last substantial snowfall in October was noted in late October 2017. As predictions indicate further snow cover expansion from Thursday night into Friday, the weather conditions are being closely monitored. This year’s early snowfall raises questions about whether it signals a trend towards a wetter and snowier winter in Greece.
Declining Snowfall Trends
Long-term observations by METEO researchers reveal a troubling trend of diminishing snowfall across Greece. From 1991 to 2020, the average duration of snow cover has decreased by approximately 1.5 days each year. This decline suggests potential shifts in climate patterns, warranting continued study and attention.
- Key Snowfall Locations:
- Mount Olympus
- Kaimaktsalan
- Falakro
- Historical Years of Note:
- 1983
- 1989
- 1995
- 2002
- Previous October Snowfall:
- Late October 2017
The current weather event is a reminder of Greece’s variable climate. It invites curiosity about whether upcoming winters will trend similarly. The unexpected snowfall emphasizes the need for ongoing climatic research and regional preparedness.
