The variability of sensible and latent heat fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea and their effect on precipitation in the Greek area during the winter months are investigated for the 39 year period 1959–97 by using multivariate statistical methods. First, factor analysis is applied, mainly as a data reduction tool, and then canonical correlation analysis is applied on the factor scores time series of the two pairs, i.e. sensible heat flux–precipitation and latent heat flux–precipitation, to reveal their interrelations. The results show there is a statistically significant relationship between sensible and latent heat fluxes over the western Mediterranean Sea and precipitation in the western windward areas of Greece. The sensible and latent heat fluxes in the western Mediterranean Sea contribute significantly to depression development. The depressions formed advect cold and dry air masses over the western Mediterranean, reinforcing these sensible and latent heat fluxes. Furthermore, these depressions lead to a southerly or southwesterly airflow over Greece. This flow, along with the existence of potential instability, significantly contributes to precipitation formation in the windward areas of western Greece and also in the islands of the eastern Aegean Sea. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society