File photo.
Greece is experiencing a spell of cold weather, with severe frost recorded across central and northern mainland areas early Monday.
The lowest temperature was minus 8.1 degrees Celsius in Nevrokopi, near the Bulgarian border, while other inland regions also reported subzero readings, according to the National Observatory of Athens.
Meteorologists warn that even colder conditions are expected over the New Year holiday. A “polar air mass” will sweep across the country on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, bringing sharply lower temperatures, strong northerly winds and light snowfall at low elevations, including parts of Attica and the Peloponnese.
Temperatures in northern and central areas could drop as much as 10 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages, though experts say conditions are normal for the season and unlikely to disrupt celebrations or travel.
The weather is expected to improve over the weekend, with sunshine returning and temperatures rising to 18 to 19 degrees Celsius in southern regions and the islands.