Storm ”Sophia” Causes Severe Disruptions Across Greece

"The weather system “Sophia” made itself felt throughout Greece on Thursday as several areas experienced heavy snowfall, with disruptions being reported across the country throughout the day. So far, the wintry weather has affected travel to many areas in northern Greece, including the “Seli” ski area in Imathia, which had to shut down due to the heavy snowfall and extreme cold.

Seli Ski Center president Kostas Tzelepis said that the decision “will avert disaster. We don’t want to expose people to danger.” There is an intense snowstorm in the area, he said, and temperatures has dropped to below -7 degrees Celsius (19 Fahrenheit), making travel by road extremely dangerous"

https://greece.greekreporter.com/2019/01/03/storm-sophia-causes-severe-disruptions-across-greece/

Not quite

They have a 60% chance for 5 regions out of 9 in England and it ends with the following 'Milder conditions developing across England over the weekend'

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/cold-weather-alert/#?tab=coldWeatherAlert

Sorry if I am being ignorant, but are you seriously saying the Met Office have cold weather warnings out for the current chill?

Correct 5 out of 9 regions in England have a level 2 cold weather alert in place

UK Outlook for Wednesday 9 Jan 2019 to Friday 18 Jan 2019:

Many western and northwestern areas will be dry on Wednesday with long sunny spells after a cold and frosty start. A few showers towards the east, which could be wintry across eastern Scotland and northeast England. Windy in the east and central areas, with a risk of gales towards the coast, adding to the cold feel. Towards the end of next week, it looks like it will stay predominately settled, with light winds and the likelihood of overnight frost and fog. Thereafter, there could be a transition to more changeable conditions. The most settled weather is likely to last for longest across the south. Meanwhile, northwestern parts are more likely to see cloudier skies with outbreaks of rain at times along with stronger winds and the risk of some snow.

UK Outlook for Saturday 19 Jan 2019 to Saturday 2 Feb 2019:

Most of the UK is likely to start this period with predominantly wet and windy weather, and a chance of heavy rain and gales at times, especially in the north. Hill snow is also possible, as well as snow to lower levels at times in the north. In the south though, there could be some drier and brighter periods too. Temperatures will vary between mild and rather cold at times, with overnight frosts during settled spells. Towards the end of January onwards, there is an increased likelihood of a change to much colder weather generally, bringing an enhanced risk of frost, fog and snow. This cold spell is by no means certain though, and in any case, some milder, wet and windy interludes are likely during this period.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast 

Ahh. No worries.

Sounds similar to the contingency planners thing they have

Wow.

Wow indeed, could you imagine Canada or Finland issuing weather warnings for 'a slight frost' or a 'bit of a chill'? They would need to issue a blanket warning for 6 months of the year. Madness

Perhaps Doc, I still find it odd that there are warnings in place for frost, even in today's world

Not much talk about this northerly potential then:

Apart from ‘Thereafter (after 12th Jan) there could be a transition to more changeable conditions. The most settled weather is likely to last for longest across the south. Meanwhile, northwestern parts are more likely to see cloudier skies with outbreaks of rain at times along with stronger winds and the risk of some snow.’

If I were to draw a chart to roughly illustrate what set up might deliver the above I’d draw the one you posted - ish.

And more importantly that chart is from today’s 06Z run - and for some ridiculous hour in the future. Why would a forecast issued afterwards even mention it?

Why can’t I delete a post? 

How meany times do we have to go through this? They are not "weather warnings" and they are not aimed at the public. They are background advice for contingency planning, eg council supplies, hospital logistics and so on and so on. Don't worry, the nanny state isn;t telling you not to go out in the cold. 

Brian, in answer to your question "Sorry if I am being ignorant, but are you seriously saying the Met Office have cold weather warnings out for the current chill?" the answer is No, they don't.

There aren't. The only weather warnings out are for wind next week. https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings#?date=2019-01-07

The cold weather alerts are NOT weather warnings and are NOT for the general public, they are just guidance for public services as to the extent of any cold weather impacts that are likely.

Yellow — Alert and readiness

Triggered by the Met Office as soon as the risk is 60% or above for any of the thresholds to be breached. This is an important stage for social and healthcare services who will be working to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential period of cold weather.

I guarantee that Canada, Finland and all the other places have similar systems in place, there is nothing unique or namby-pamby about it, it's just called logistics. 

I guarantee that the same people who whinge about this system would be first to moan about Britain being useless and unprepared for cold weather if social services, gritting depots and so on were given no warning and failed to be ready when cold weather arrived. Some people just love to moan. 

But there has always been a chance of colder weather mid Jan and the Met Office mentioned this and has been for days if not at least a week but they never mention anything to do with a northerly wind like what we can see on the GFS charts for 14,15th and 16th?

Whilst i do take your point Rob and stand corrected, whether they are warnings or alerts, whether they are for Joe Public or for contingency planning and agencies, my issue is with the parameters for the warnings We are talking about, and yes it could well change, but a 36 hour snap of temps at or above freezing. That was my issue.

Also, these alerts have been around a long time now and local authorities have still failed to make adequate provision with them in place.

Anyway, me? Moan? You have me confused