Greece is experiencing a short-lived break from the intense heat, as temperatures drop slightly and winds strengthen, offering a temporary sense of relief across much of the country. However, this refreshing change will be brief, as a new and prolonged heatwave is forecast to begin on Sunday, July 13, with experts warning of a return to persistently high temperatures.

Cooler Days Until Saturday

According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), temperatures will remain below 33°C in most regions through Saturday. In Attica, for instance, the mercury is not expected to rise above 33°C, while in Thessaloniki, highs will stay near 31°C. Winds blowing from the north, reaching up to 7 on the Beaufort scale, are helping to moderate the temperatures, particularly in coastal and island areas.

Meteorologists described the upcoming weather as a period of “persistent heat,” expected to start on Sunday, July 13. This follows the recent heatwave that gripped the country in early July. Initial forecasts suggest temperatures could again climb significantly, especially in inland and southern areas.

Regional Forecast Highlights

Attica (Athens area): Clear skies and northerly winds of 5–6 Beaufort are expected, easing in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 24°C to 33°C.

Thessaloniki:  Generally sunny with northwesterly winds reaching up to 7 Beaufort, gradually dropping to 4–5 in the afternoon. Temperatures between 23°C and 31°C.

Macedonia and Thrace: Eastern Macedonia and Thrace may see cloudy patches and local showers through the afternoon. Elsewhere, clear skies with brief cloudiness in mountainous areas. Winds will blow from the north at 4–7 Beaufort, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 33°C, and slightly cooler in western Macedonia.

Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Greece: Sunny overall, with some clouds in mountainous mainland areas during midday and afternoon. Northwesterly winds at 5–7 Beaufort, weakening overnight. Highs up to 33°C, cooler in interior Epirus.

Central and Eastern Greece, Euboea, Peloponnese: Mostly sunny, with occasional clouds in mountainous regions later in the day. Northerly winds at 5–6 Beaufort, locally stronger in Euboea. Temperatures from 22°C to 34°C.

Cyclades and Crete: Clear skies, with northern to northwesterly winds reaching up to 7 Beaufort in northern Cyclades early in the day. Highs of 30°C, and up to 32°C in southern Crete.

Aegean Islands and Dodecanese: Clear weather with scattered clouds over northern islands in the morning. Winds from the north in the north and northwest in the south at 4–7 Beaufort. Temperatures from 23°C to 35°C, cooler in the northern islands.

Thessaly and Sporades: Clear skies with brief cloudiness in the mountains. Winds from the northwest at 4–6 Beaufort, reaching 7 Beaufort in eastern Thessaly and the Sporades. Temperatures will reach up to 34°C, with highs in the Sporades closer to 30°C.