Athens, March 25 – The winter of 2025-2026 has been marked as the second warmest and third wettest in Athens since official records began in 1890. Data released by the National Observatory of Athens reveals significant deviations from historical climate averages, highlighting ongoing climate shifts in the region.
Unprecedented Warmth and Rainfall
According to the ClimateHub team at the National Observatory of Athens, the average temperature for the winter of 2025-2026 reached 12.63°C. This figure is a substantial 2.34°C higher than the average recorded during the recent climate period of 1991-2020. This makes it the second warmest winter in Athens’ recorded history, surpassed only by the winter of 2023-2024, which registered an average temperature of 13°C.
Both average maximum (Tmax) and average minimum (Tmin) temperatures showed similar significant deviations, standing at 16.4°C and 10.0°C respectively. These elevated temperatures underscore a clear warming trend observed in the Athenian climate.
In addition to the remarkable warmth, the winter also brought an unusual amount of precipitation. Total rainfall for the season reached 336.8 mm, which is nearly double the average for the 1991-2020 period. This places the 2025-2026 winter as the third rainiest ever recorded in the greater Athens area. The only winters with higher rainfall totals were 2012-2013 (400 mm) and 2002-2003 (386 mm).
Data from a Century-Old Weather Station
These findings are based on comprehensive data collected from the Observatory’s historic weather station, which has been continuously operating on the Hill of the Nymphs in the Thissio district since 1890. The long-term data collection provides a robust foundation for identifying significant climate trends and anomalies.
Implications of the Climate Data
The preliminary data for the 2025-2026 winter indicates a continuation of the trend of unusually warm winters with reduced snowfall, despite the significant rainfall. This pattern is consistent with broader observations of climate change and its impact on regional weather systems.
The combination of higher temperatures and increased rainfall can have various environmental and societal impacts, including altered hydrological cycles, potential impacts on agriculture, and changes in urban ecosystems. While the increased rainfall might alleviate some drought concerns, the overall warming trend suggests a shift in seasonal characteristics that could pose long-term challenges.
Broader Climate Context
The World Meteorological Organization has confirmed 2015-2025 as the hottest decade on record globally, with 2025 ranking among the top three hottest years. This wider context provides a global perspective to the localized climate observations in Athens, reinforcing the urgency of addressing climate change.
The detailed statistical analysis of the 2025-2026 winter climate in Athens offers crucial insights into the evolving weather patterns in the Mediterranean region. Further research and continuous monitoring will be essential to understand the long-term implications of these pronounced climatic shifts.
Source: https://www.tovima.com/climate/2025-2026-winter-3rd-wettest-2nd-warmest-for-athens-in-last-150-years/
