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The synoptic condition during the very dry winter of 1989 in Greece and most Europe is at first described. Similarly, the synoptic condition is investigated for the upper and lower decile of January rainfall, using Athens rainfall for its long record. The analysis has indicated that the winter of 1989 has been a very extreme case. In all cases, the persistence of a blocking anticyclone appeared to be the dominant synoptic feature. When this anticyclone covers Europe and the Mediterranean area, then dry conditions prevail over most Europe. On the other hand, when the anticyclone is located over the northeast Atlantic ocean west of the previous position, then wet conditions prevail over Greece and large part of Europe.