Winter 2023 – 2024 was the warmest one ever recorded for Greece, with temperatures in certain areas of the country exceeding 32 C (89.6 F). At the same time, the average sea surface temperature globally has increased.
The warmest winter ever recorded in Greece
The winter of 2023-2024 stands as the warmest ever recorded in Greek history. During the first quarter of 2024, temperature records were continuously being shattered.
During the months of December 2023, January, and February 2024, temperatures were recorded at notably high levels for the season. Temperatures in some areas of the country exceeded 32 C (89.6 F), surpassing even temperatures during the winter of 2015-2016.
Initial findings were provided by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) within the European Copernicus program, and analyzed by the scientific team at meteo.gr, the National Meteorological Service of Greece (NMS), and the National Observatory of Athens (NOA).
The second warmest January since 2010
Based on data from the network of 53 meteorological stations operated by meteo.gr, January saw numerous days with above-average temperatures, and was the second warmest January since 2010 in North Greece and Thessaly. In Western Macedonia, temperatures exceeded normal seasonal levels by up to 3 C (37.4 F).
Similarly, February 2024 was the warmest February in the last 15 years in Northern Greece, and significant temperature anomalies were observed. Notably, in Macedonia and Thessaly, temperatures were recorded to be up to 4 C (39.2 F) above normal seasonal levels.
In March, temperatures in Crete and other areas in southern Greece soared above 32 C (89.6 F). Again, temperatures throughout the country were significantly higher than usual.
Temperatures to rise further in the first week of April
Based on current estimates, the first 10-day period of April is expected to be warm. According to the latest forecast data, atmospheric circulation over Europe in the coming days will favor the transport of extremely warm air masses from Africa towards Eastern Europe.
This will result in temperatures up to 15-16 degrees Celsius (59-61 F) higher than normal for this time of year. Temperatures at the beginning of the week will likely approach or even exceed 30 C (86 C) in certain regions of mainland Greece.
It’s worth noting that precipitation levels are also decreasing nationwide, resulting in increased dryness.
Global average sea surface temperature hits a record high
The sea surface temperature is increasing worldwide. Over the past 30 years, there has been a rise in Mediterranean water temperatures by approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7 F), leading to the so-called “Mediterranean Tropicalization”.
This phenomenon results in the invasion of numerous alien species (biological invaders) into the Mediterranean. This creates problems for the populations of native marine species and their ecosystems, as well as for humans.
Apart from climate change, activities such as shipping, overfishing, plastic pollution, and a series of human interventions in habitats exacerbate the pressure on the environment.
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