Snow Cover and Depth Climatology and Trends in Greece

The rising surface temperatures driven by climate change have resulted in significant reductions in snow depth and snow cover duration globally, with pronounced impacts on snow-dependent regions. This study focuses on Greece, a region where snow plays a critical role in water resources and winter tourism. Using numerical model reanalysis data spanning from 1991 to 2020, this study identifies statistically significant declining trends in snow depth and duration of snow cover across much of the country. The findings reveal considerable spatial and temporal variability, with the most pronounced reductions occurring in winter months and mountainous regions. Particularly affected are the northern and central mountainous areas, where snow cover days have decreased by up to 1.5 days per year. Ski resorts at lower elevations exhibit steeper declines in snow reliability compared to higher-altitude resorts, posing challenges to winter tourism. These trends underscore the urgency of adaptation strategies for climate resilience in snow-dependent sectors and the broader implications for water resource management in the region.