kathimerini.gr
Greece Hit by Unexpected April Snowstorm
Unexpectedly cold weather brought heavy snowfall to northern and central Greece on April 7th, 2025, leading to road closures in several areas, including Hortiatis–Agios Vasilios and Melissohori–Oraiokastro, with schools in Florina, Prespes and Amyntaio remaining closed Monday due to the heavy snowfall.
- What are the contributing factors to the severity of this weather event?
- This cold snap, originating in Florina where temperatures plummeted 15°C in 6 hours, is causing widespread disruption. Schools in Florina, Prespes, and Amyntaio are closed Monday due to heavy snowfall, which reached 7cm in Florina city.
- What is the immediate impact of the unexpected cold snap and snowfall in Greece?
- A significant temperature drop, reaching 10°C, and snowfall have affected northern and central Greece since Sunday evening. Road closures resulted in two areas: Hortiatis – Agios Vasilios and Melissohori – Oraiokastro.
- What are the potential long-term effects of such extreme weather changes on the region?
- The cold weather will persist until Friday, April 11th, with frost expected in northern regions. The impact extends beyond immediate road closures, affecting daily life and potentially causing further issues with transportation and other essential services.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the severity of the weather conditions, particularly the significant temperature drop and the snowfall, especially in the regions of Thessaloniki and Florina. The selection of details such as road closures and school closures further amplifies the negative impacts. The use of phrases like "abrupt temperature drop", "intense snowfall", and "plummet" contributes to a sense of urgency and alarm. While this is factually accurate, the emphasis and selection of details might shape readers' perception towards a more negative view of the situation than a more balanced account might convey.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and factual, reporting on weather conditions and their impact. However, phrases like "abrupt temperature drop", "plummet" (in reference to the temperature), and "intense snowfall" introduce a somewhat heightened and dramatic tone. More neutral alternatives could include 'significant temperature decrease,' 'substantial snowfall,' and 'heavy snowfall'. While not overtly biased, the choice of words adds to the negative framing.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses heavily on the snowfall and temperature drop in specific regions of Greece, particularly Northern and Central areas. While it mentions impacts like road closures, it omits potential economic consequences (e.g., disruptions to agriculture or tourism), broader societal effects (e.g., energy consumption increases), and the perspectives of those directly affected beyond the reported road closures. This limited scope might unintentionally mislead readers into believing the impact is geographically confined and less significant than it could be.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports a significant temperature drop and snowfall in several regions of Greece, aligning with the impacts of climate change such as unusual weather patterns and extreme temperatures. The disruption to transportation and school closures further highlight the consequences of such events.