A recent study by the METEO unit of the National Observatory of Athens reveals that Greece’s average temperature has risen by about 1.5°C over the last 30 years.
This increase is particularly pronounced in northern Greece, especially in areas that are quite distant from the sea.
Study overview and findings: Greece temperature risen
The METEO unit conducted this study to better understand the effects of climate change in Greece between 1991 and 2020. The study aimed to provide a clear picture of the country’s climate trends.
Published in the international journal Atmosphere, the study analyzed trends in temperature, precipitation, and sea temperature using data from the European Copernicus service.
On average, Greece’s temperature has increased by about 0.05°C per year, totaling 1.5°C over thirty years. However, this climate warming trend varies geographically.
In northern Greece, especially in areas not near the sea, the temperature has risen by about 0.07°C per year. This indicates a more than 2°C increase in these areas over the past 30 years. Conversely, southern Greece, including Crete, has experienced a less drastic increase.
Expert insights and comparative trends
Dr. Kostas Lagouvardos, the lead author and research director at the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development of the National Observatory of Athens, described the rapid climate warming in northern Greece as “a small surprise.”
He noted, “Our recent measurements with a dense network of stations showed temperatures significantly higher than usual for northern Greece.”
Lagouvardos clarified that “Northern Greece is not warmer than southern Greece overall. However, it has experienced a faster rate of warming over these 30 years.” In comparing this period (1991-2020) to global and European trends, we find that the Earth’s average temperature has risen by about 0.6 to 0.8°C, while Europe has warmed by 1.2°C.
Lagouvardos pointed out, “All of Europe is warming, but at different rates. The Balkans and southeastern Europe are warming more.”
“Greece, along with other Balkan and southeastern European countries, is a hotspot for climate change,” he added.
Frost days, sea temperatures, and rainfall
It was also found in the study that there has been a significant reduction in frost days nationwide, with the greatest reduction being in northwest mainland Greece. Additionally, sea surface temperatures have increased by 1.5°C, with the most significant rises in the northern Aegean, the Ionian, and the region of Crete.
Regarding rainfall and floods, the study identified a stabilization in annual rainfall and drought periods over the last 30 years. However, there has been an increase in heavy precipitation days, estimated at nine to ten days over this period.
The authors noted, “This increasing trend correlates with more frequent flood events.” Yet, in some areas, such as central Thessaly, the eastern Peloponnese, and parts of Crete, there has been a decrease in the number of days with rainfall and heavy precipitation.
Although the study covers up to 2020, preliminary data for the last four years suggest that high temperatures and significant climate warming in northern Greece continue.
“Initial data from the past four years show that this trend persists. Northern Greece still exhibits notable deviations from normal temperature values compared to southern Greece,” Lagouvardos observed.
