Greece’s Winter of 2025-2026 Marks the Second Warmest in Sixty-Five Years, Posing New Challenges for the Country’s Environment, Water Supply, Tourism Industry, and Agriculture

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Greece’s Winter of 2025-2026 has been recorded as the second warmest in 65 years, a climate shift that brings significant challenges across multiple sectors. The unusually high temperatures are straining the country’s water supply, impacting agriculture, and altering tourism patterns. With prolonged dry spells and unpredictable weather, these environmental disruptions require urgent attention and adaptation, as Greece grapples with the far-reaching consequences of this warming trend.

Preliminary data from the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr) has confirmed that the winter of 2025–2026 in Greece was one of the warmest on record. With average temperatures ranking as the second highest since 1960, this season has added to the growing concerns about climate change’s impact on the Mediterranean region. While the winter of 2023–2024 holds the record for being the warmest winter on record, the most recent winter—spanning from December 2025 to February 2026—was notably close in temperature, with the absence of typical cold spells that usually characterize the season.

This winter, like many others in recent years, was marked by an enduring heat anomaly that raised alarm. Data indicates that 86% of winter days were characterized by temperatures well above the 1991–2020 average. The few cold fronts that arrived were short-lived, occurring mainly in early and mid-January. This has become a disturbing trend, as Greece has now seen four out of the six warmest winters in its recorded history within the last six years. The data suggests a significant rise in the average winter temperature of 1.8°C (35.24°F) since 1960. This warming trend is consistent with global climate patterns but has significant implications for the country’s ecosystems, economy, and overall way of life.

Although the winter of 2025–2026 was unusually warm, it was not a dry season. In fact, it ranked as one of the wettest winters on record, with frequent rainfall during the season. However, the high temperatures meant that much of this precipitation fell as rain rather than snow. This shift in precipitation patterns, where snow is replaced by rain, has caused several problems, particularly in regions dependent on snow for water storage and ski tourism. The lack of snowmelt, which is typically stored in mountain reservoirs, threatens both the tourism industry, particularly winter sports, and the region’s water supply.

The impacts of this warm winter were not just limited to the economy but also had severe consequences on the environment. The Mediterranean, particularly in areas like Greece, relies heavily on consistent snowfall in the mountains during winter to supply water during the warmer months. Without snow, water reserves become increasingly vulnerable, with long-term consequences for both agriculture and local water management. Furthermore, the lack of snow means fewer tourists are traveling to mountainous regions for skiing and other winter activities, affecting the local tourism economy.

In January 2026, Greece was hit with extreme weather conditions that amplified the challenges brought on by the warmer-than-usual winter. Severe storms and torrential rainfall led to widespread flooding, particularly in the Athens metropolitan area, which was at the epicenter of the storm. In addition to the devastating flooding, the storm was accompanied by gale-force winds, further complicating the situation. The extreme weather caused considerable damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, with emergency services overwhelmed by the number of calls for help.

Tragically, two individuals lost their lives due to the severe weather. One person was swept away by floodwaters in the Athens region, while another was struck by a massive wave while performing their duties in a coastal area. The loss of life was a stark reminder of how extreme weather events, fueled by the changing climate, can wreak havoc on communities that are unprepared for such events. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue residents stranded by the floods and clear debris, but the storm left behind extensive damage and displacement for many families.

The extreme weather also caused disruptions to transportation systems across Greece. Roads were flooded, and rail services were suspended, while airports saw delays due to the inclement conditions. Businesses were forced to close, and many schools were shuttered as a precaution. The aftermath of the storm required a considerable cleanup effort and left many parts of the country grappling with the effects of the damage.

Despite the challenges, authorities and emergency services responded with urgency to mitigate the impacts of the storm. Local governments were forced to implement emergency relief measures to assist those affected by the floods, including temporary shelters and financial aid. There were also calls for increased climate adaptation strategies and disaster preparedness to better manage the effects of extreme weather in the future.

In addition to the immediate physical damage, the extreme weather events highlight the growing risks that climate change poses to Greece and the wider Mediterranean region. The warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are likely to continue affecting both the environment and the economy. From droughts to floods, the region is experiencing a more volatile climate, with both heatwaves and heavy storms becoming increasingly common. These changes are expected to become more frequent and severe in the coming years, placing additional strain on local governments and emergency services.

Looking ahead, there is a clear need for Greece to enhance its climate resilience, with a particular focus on improving infrastructure, water management systems, and disaster response capabilities. There is also an urgent need for broader policies aimed at mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For Greece, a country already dealing with the effects of climate change, the winter of 2025–2026 serves as a reminder of the pressing need for action to combat the growing environmental and economic challenges that lie ahead.

Greece’s Winter of 2025-2026, the second warmest in 65 years, is causing significant strain on its environment, water supply, tourism, and agriculture due to rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions.

the winter of 2025–2026 will be remembered as one of the warmest on record for Greece, contributing to a worrying trend of rising temperatures. The impacts of this unusual season, from disrupted tourism to the devastating floods and loss of life, serve as a stark warning of the increasing unpredictability of the Mediterranean climate. As the region grapples with the consequences of this and other extreme weather events, the need for climate adaptation and mitigation has never been more urgent.