Greece is bracing for an exceptionally dangerous 48-hour period as the ongoing heatwave intensifies, with temperatures expected to soar to extreme levels. The country’s national weather service has updated its emergency alert, warning of a critical combination of soaring temperatures and heightened fire risk through Friday and Saturday.
Temperatures to Reach 45°C in Several Regions
Forecasts show temperatures reaching 45°C in parts of the mainland and islands. Over the past 24 hours, several areas have already recorded highs between 40°C and 43°C, with some even touching 45°C. A thermal camera captured a staggering 53°C above Attiko Alsos (Attic Grove) in Athens at just 8:45 in the morning, highlighting the severity of the heat.
The most critical period is expected on Friday and Saturday, with the heatwave’s peak driven by the interaction of strong northern winds (commonly referred to locally as “meltemia”) and Greece’s mountainous terrain.
The Role of the Downward Wind (Katabatic Wind)
According to meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis, the strengthening of northern winds on Thursday is expected to trigger a phenomenon known as katabatic winds. These are air currents that descend from mountain slopes, warming and drying as they travel downhill due to increased atmospheric pressure. This process can significantly raise ground temperatures and accelerate wind speeds.
This meteorological effect is expected to impact the following areas:
- Western mainland Greece
- Southern Crete
- Southeastern Aegean islands
- Western and southern Peloponnese
- Central mainland Greece
In these regions, temperatures may exceed the previously estimated ceiling of 43°C, possibly reaching as high as 45°C. The combination of intense heat and dry winds poses a severe fire risk.
EMY Emergency Bulletin Updated
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has confirmed that both maximum and minimum temperatures will remain dangerously high, especially in urban centers where nighttime lows will hover around 28–29°C.
Strong northern winds, reaching 6–7 on the Beaufort scale, are also forecast from midday Friday into Saturday in the eastern parts of the country and across the Aegean Sea.
Regional Forecast Highlights
Wednesday, July 23:
- Mainland Greece: 39–41°C; up to 43°C in Thessaly
- Athens: 39–40°C
- Thessaloniki: 39°C
- Aegean Islands and Dodecanese: 39–41°C
- Ionian Islands and Crete: 36–38°C
Thursday, July 24:
- Mainland: 39–41°C; up to 43°C in central and southern regions
- Athens: 41–42°C
- Thessaloniki: 39–40°C
- Aegean Islands and Dodecanese: up to 41°C
- Ionian Islands and Crete: 37–39°C
Friday, July 25:
- Mainland: 40–41°C; up to 43°C in the west
- Athens: 41–42°C
- Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
- Southern Crete: up to 41°C
- Aegean Islands: 38–40°C
Saturday, July 26:
- Mainland: 40–41°C; locally up to 43°C
- Athens: 40–41°C
- Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
- Islands (Aegean, Ionian, Crete): 38–40°C
Relief is expected to begin on Sunday in the western and northern parts of the country, gradually expanding eastward and southward. While temperatures will slowly ease, full cooling and potential rainfall are not likely until the following week.
