What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Environmental Events
Environmental risk analysis assesses hazards arising from weather and climate-related phenomena that can disrupt safety, infrastructure and economic activity. Cold waves are recurrent winter risks in Greece, particularly during December–January, and are associated with snow, ice, power disruptions and transport constraints. Understanding exposure and preparedness is critical for protecting people, assets and supply chains during such events.
Executive Summary
- Date of Event: 29-31 December
- Location: Greece (Northern, Central mainland and selected urban areas)
- Risk Category: Environment
- Severity Score: 3 / 5
- Confidence Level: 75 %
A cold wave is forecast to affect Greece through 31 December, with the most pronounced impacts in northern and central regions including Central Macedonia, Thessaly and Epirus. Expected impacts include snowfall in highland and inland areas, icy road conditions and localized power outages. Severity is assessed as moderate due to established winter response capacity, while confidence remains moderate-high based on consistent short-range forecasts and historical winter patterns.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
High Impact:
- Northern mainland: Kozani, Kastoria, Florina, Serres, Thessaloniki.
- Central mainland: Thessaly, Lamia, Tripoli.
- Mountain zones: Olympus area, Pindus range.
Medium Impact:
- Urban and peri-urban zones in Athens and Corinth.
- Inland areas of Kalamata.
Low Impact:
- Coastal lowlands with reduced snowfall risk.
Cold waves of similar scale recur seasonally in Greece, with northern regions consistently experiencing the greatest disruption.
Impact on Transportation and Services
Road transportation is expected to face the highest disruption, particularly on major corridors such as the A1/E75 and Egnatia Odos, where icy conditions, snowfall and mandatory snow chains may be enforced. Secondary and mountainous roads face temporary closures. Rail services may operate under speed restrictions, while ports and air transport could experience minor delays. Business operations may be affected by workforce absenteeism, delayed deliveries and reduced access to facilities in impacted regions.
Recommended Actions
Immediate Measures:
- Activate cold-weather operational plans and confirm minimum staffing requirements.
- Restrict non-essential travel and enable remote work where feasible.
- Secure facilities by insulating exposed pipes, testing backup generators and ensuring fuel availability.
Strategic Measures:
- Pre-position snow-clearing resources and salt/grit supplies on critical routes.
- Coordinate with local authorities and Civil Protection for real-time alerts.
- Review supply chain contingencies and reroute deliveries through unaffected corridors when possible.
Multidimensional Impact
Ongoing farmers’ blockades on national roads may compound cold wave impacts by limiting alternative routes and delaying logistics and emergency response. If combined with weather-related closures, these actions could increase supply chain disruption and response times in northern and central Greece.
Emergency Contacts
- European Emergency Number: 112
- National Meteorological Service Alert Platform: emy.gr/en
Final Thoughts
The forecast cold wave represents a moderate but widespread environmental risk with predictable impacts on mobility, utilities and business operations. Close monitoring of weather advisories, proactive continuity planning and coordinated response measures are essential. Early-warning and situational intelligence tools such as MitKat’s Datasurfr can support timely decision-making and resilience during recurring winter weather events.
Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories with datasurfr’s Predict. Start your 14-day free trial of Datasurfr’s Risk Intelligence Platform today.