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El Niño phenomenon's impact on Greece and the Mediterranean
The El Niño phenomenon exerts an indirect influence on Europe and the Mediterranean by altering atmospheric circulation. According to Athanasios Argyriou, a physics professor at the University of Patras and the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, these changes can affect the position and intensity of jet streams, the paths of low-pressure systems, the frequency of anticyclonic blocking, and the transport of heat and moisture.
While scientific literature from the last 25 years shows statistically significant links between El Niño and precipitation patterns or atmospheric disturbances in the Euro-Mediterranean region, these relationships are not constant. They vary depending on the season, the specific episode, and the time period being examined. For instance, correlations between El Niño and rainfall can differ, or even be opposite, between the western and eastern Mediterranean.
Due to these fluctuations, experts state it is not possible to make a reliable prediction regarding whether a specific winter in Greece will be wetter or drier based solely on El Niño. While there is insufficient scientific documentation to pinpoint exactly which Greek regions are most affected, the Ionian Sea has shown statistically significant correlations with the phenomenon on long-term scales. The current El Niño episode is projected to remain strong or very strong through the winter of 2026.
Entities
Athanasios Argyriou · Greece · Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics · Mediterranean Sea · University of Patras
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The current El Niño episode is predicted to remain strong or very strong through the winter of 2026. www.newsbomb.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Scientific studies from the last 25 years have identified significant links between El Niño and Mediterranean precipitation. www.newmoney.gr · www.tanea.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Correlations between El Niño and rainfall can be different or even opposite between the western and eastern Mediterranean. www.newmoney.gr · www.tanea.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] El Niño exerts an indirect influence on Europe and the Mediterranean through changes in atmospheric circulation. www.newmoney.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · www.tanea.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ionian region shows statistically significant correlations with El Niño on long-term scales. www.newsbomb.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The phenomenon can alter the position and intensity of jet streams. www.newmoney.gr · www.newsbomb.gr · www.tanea.gr