Corfu is currently enjoying exceptionally mild weather for December, with temperatures significantly above the seasonal average. This trend is expected to continue leading up to the Christmas period, though a more serious winter is anticipated to arrive abruptly after the holidays.
Mild Conditions Persist Through Mid-December
The combination of high pressure over the Balkans and low pressure in the Eastern Mediterranean is maintaining a mild north-northeasterly current across Greece, particularly affecting the eastern and southern regions. A low-pressure system off the coast of Tunisia, moving northeast, will shift winds in the Ionian Sea to southeasterly, with no significant strengthening expected.
For the three-day period from Wednesday, December 17th, to Friday, December 19th, clear, sunny skies with occasional sparse cloud cover are forecast. No significant changes are anticipated, with a slight increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures.
- Maximum temperatures: Expected to reach around 17°C to 18°C.
- Minimum temperatures: Will be lower on Wednesday, December 17th, and Thursday, December 18th.
A more pronounced drop in temperatures, falling below monthly averages, is expected from Monday, December 22nd.
Corfu-Specific Forecast
For Corfu specifically, a preliminary temperature drop is expected around December 20th, with maximums ranging from 16°C to 17°C. However, these figures will still remain above the month’s average. In Corfu town, from Saturday, December 20th, maximum temperatures will be between 15°C and 16°C, while minimums will consistently stay below 9°C. In Petaleia, maximums will be 11°C to 12°C, and minimums will remain consistently below 5°C. These conditions are expected to persist through the Christmas days.
Rainfall Expectations
According to the latest forecasts, rainfall is expected shortly after December 20th. These will not be intense but will be continuous. Winds will continue to blow from the south, without significant strengthening.
Winter’s Arrival Post-Christmas
Winter is expected to arrive abruptly after Christmas. Cold air masses at the end of December will affect Greece, though without particularly severe weather phenomena. The primary effect will be a significant drop in temperature, bringing a more wintry feel to the atmosphere. Residents are advised to prepare in advance for heating needs, including wood, oil, and other necessities.
Notes on Forecast Reliability
Numerical weather prediction models are somewhat like “lotus-eaters”; as days pass, initial conditions fade from their memory. It is not uncommon for forecasts for the 6th or 7th day to differ by 60-70% daily compared to previous predictions.
Edited by: Nikolaos Vlachos, amateur meteorologist and forecaster
