Snow

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.

Bulgaria is grappling with the aftermath of heavy snowfall, mobilizing over 800 snowplows to clear roads across the country, according to the Road Agency. Highways, first-class and second-class roads, as well as mountain passes, are receiving priority attention in the ongoing snow removal efforts.

Bulgaria is currently under an orange weather warning for heavy snow, drifts, and black ice in 14 regions across Western, Northern, and Southern Bulgaria. The rest of the country faces a yellow weather alert, with snow cover expected to range from 10 to 30 centimeters in regions affected by adverse weather conditions.

Get ready for a wintry weekend as Bulgaria braces for a cold snap accompanied by moderate to strong northeasterly winds and widespread snowfall. The forecast for January 20 paints a picture of overcast skies with snowfall across the country, turning to rain in the eastern parts before noon. Snow cover is expected to reach up to 10 cm thickness, rising to 30 cm in the Rhodopes and Rila.

The Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Service is sounding the alarm over potential avalanche hazards in the country's mountainous regions in the coming days. Despite favorable conditions for hiking in lower elevations, the rescue service emphasizes the heightened risk in areas with significant snow cover.

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.

The ski resort of Agriolefkes on Mount Pilio, central Greece, will open on Friday, following the recent snowfall, the operating company said on Thursday.

Snowfall blankets the Shipka Pass and the Republic Pass in Bulgaria, significantly reducing visibility in the region. While the roadway has been cleared and treated with sand, icy patches persist, posing risks for drivers. The temperature plunges to minus 11 degrees at Shipka Pass, exacerbating the potential for hazardous icing.

Bulgaria woke up to overnight snowfall blanketing most regions of the country. Forecasts indicate a rise in atmospheric pressure, surpassing the monthly average, leading to snow cover in northern Bulgaria and mountainous areas. Although precipitation is expected to taper off by day's end, a moderate to strong north-northeasterly wind persists.