Greece is preparing for what could be the strongest heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to rise sharply in the coming days. Forecasts indicate that the mercury could reach up to 43°C, particularly from Sunday, July 20, through at least Tuesday, July 22 — possibly even extending to Wednesday.

Record High Temperatures on the Horizon

While current conditions are already hot, with daytime highs around 38°C, meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafilias warns that a much more intense heatwave is approaching. According to his analysis, scattered temperatures of 39–40°C may be recorded leading up to the weekend, before the full force of the heatwave sets in.

He notes that the prolonged period of hot weather will significantly dry out forested areas, increasing the risk of wildfires. Vulnerable populations, especially in urban centers with limited ventilation and few cooling options, are also expected to face added strain.

Despite the extreme temperatures, Tsatrafilias emphasizes that such weather patterns are not unusual for July, the heart of the Greek summer.

Not Everyone Agrees: “Heat Is Not a Heatwave”

Contrary to these warnings, meteorologist Giannis Kallianos offers a more measured outlook. In a public statement, he stresses the difference between “heat” and an official “heatwave.” According to him, the upcoming days will be hot, but not extreme.

Kallianos states that from July 14 through the weekend of July 19–20, no true heatwave conditions are expected. He does acknowledge high temperatures — ranging between 36°C and 38°C in many mainland regions, with occasional local spikes to 39°C or even 40°C in areas like Thessaly, Viotia, and Fthiotida. However, he stresses that these are not unusually high for the season.

He also predicts possible midday thunderstorms on Tuesday in northern and northwestern mountainous areas, further distinguishing the week’s weather from that of a typical heatwave.

Vulnerable Areas

Kallianos identifies several regions particularly sensitive to rising heat, including:

  • Central Macedonia (inland areas away from the coast)
  • Thessalian Plain
  • Lowland Fthiotida
  • Kopais Basin in Viotia
  • Argolic Plain
  • Agrinio region
  • Laconian Plain
  • Meligalas region in Messenia
  • The Isthmus of Corinth and surrounding areas

Despite these elevated temperatures, he reiterates that the heat remains within typical July ranges for Greece.

Fire Risk on the Rise

Kallianos also raises concerns over fire danger. The combination of:

  • Prolonged heat
  • Dry conditions
  • Strong northern winds in the Aegean (known as “meltemia”), reaching 5–7 Beaufort, and occasionally 8 in the central Aegean

is expected to create hazardous conditions for wildfires, particularly early in the week leading up to July 16.

Athens Temperature Forecast

In his latest update, Kallianos shared daily high temperature forecasts for Athens:

  • Monday, July 14: 37–38°C
  • Tuesday, July 15: 37–38°C
  • Wednesday, July 16: 37–38°C
  • Thursday, July 17: 37–38°C
  • Friday, July 18: 36–38°C
  • Saturday, July 19: 36–38°C