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If the start of Holy Week feels a bit more moody than usual, you can blame an unstable air mass and a weak low-pressure system currently loitering over the island. Today is Holy Monday, when the Church remembers the Barren Fig Tree and calls us to be spiritually fruitful and prepared. Much like the fig tree that was expected to bear fruit, today is a reminder not to be caught unprepared. So along with staying spiritually ready, you might also want an umbrella that can handle a bit of a breeze.
The morning starts with suspended dust giving the sky a hazy texture, and we might see some isolated showers in the west and north. However, the real activity kicks in around midday. Developing clouds are expected to bring local showers and isolated thunderstorms, primarily targeting the mountains, the inland plains, and the east. If you’re out, keep an ear out for the clatter of hail, which is a confirmed guest for today's storms. Temperatures are holding at a steady 21°C inland and on the coast, though it’s a much sharper 11°C if you’re heading to the higher villages for evening services.
The wind is also playing its part, shifting from a light breeze to a punchier 5 Beaufort along the coast by the afternoon. The sea remains restless, particularly on the western and northern shores, so any coastal "walk and reflect" might be a bit more spray-heavy than intended.
Tonight, the dust lingers as the clouds move toward the west and southwest, potentially dropping a few more isolated showers to keep the pavement damp. As we move deeper into the week's traditions, the weather seems determined to match the somber tone of the processions:
Holy Tuesday: Expect a similar script. Some morning showers out west will give way to afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains, south, and east. It’s a classic "repentance" weather pattern, a bit stormy, but with 21°C clearings to keep things from getting too bleak.
Holy Wednesday: A bit of a reprieve! The sky stays partly cloudy, but the chance of rain drops to isolated. This is the day for the Sacrament of Holy Unction, and the weather seems to be offering a slightly calmer backdrop for those heading to church for healing oil and a moment of quiet.
Holy Thursday: The drama returns just as the flaounes (traditional cheese pastries) start hitting the ovens. Expect morning coastal showers and afternoon thunderstorms, especially in the south and east. It’s a good day to stay inside and focus on the baking, as the mountains are likely to see some noisy weather.
The temperature trend: We’re staying close to the seasonal average through Tuesday, with a slight warm-up on Wednesday to help the bread dough rise, before settling back into a cooler rhythm for the Thursday night vigils.
With the snow at Chionistra down to its final patches, spring is taking over, even if it’s doing so with a side of thunder and a layer of dust that makes your car look like it’s been through a minor desert expedition. Keep your umbrellas handy and your focus on the journey toward Sunday.
