Greek weather service, Meteo.gr, has confirmed a significant increase in surface temperatures in areas ravaged by last August’s wildfires, with ground temperatures rising by as much as 10°C.
Analysts at METEO, part of the National Observatory of Athens, assessed and compared satellite data from July 17, 2024, just before the devastating Varnavas-Mt. Penteli fire, to new data collected on June 26, 2025. The results show an overall temperature rise of 1–2°C across affected zones.
Increasing surface temperatures (in red) in area burnt last August on Mt. Pendeli. Photo: METEO
The massive fire which burned for days destroyed large expanses of forest, which experts say, play a crucial role in maintaining local temperature stability. METEO analysts explained that the destruction of woodland and vegetation significantly alters the temperature balance of the landscape. The lack of plant cover results in increased solar absorption by the soil, driving surface temperatures higher. Even 11 months after the blaze, the affected areas in Attica show no signs of ecological recovery in terms of thermal regulation. The sustained increase in ground heat suggests a potential long-term shift in the microclimate, which could have broader implications for biodiversity and human habitation.
Although these measurements reflect surface (ground) temperatures, METEO experts note that air temperatures near the ground are also likely to be affected. This latest report highlights the environmental toll of wildfires, reinforcing the urgent need for reforestation and climate resilience strategies across Greece’s fire-hit regions.
