Μake us preferred on Google Greece’s civil protection authorities remain on high alert as powerful winds strengthen across the Aegean and eastern mainland, creating extremely dangerous conditions for wildfires over the next 48 hours.
According to the latest forecasts from the National Observatory of Athens’ meteo.gr and assessments by the Risk Assessment Committee, the seasonal northerly winds known as the meltemi are expected to peak on Friday with gusts locally exceeding 100 km/h and wind speeds reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale.
The outlook was reviewed during an emergency meeting convened by Nikos Papaefstathiou, secretary-general for Civil Protection, which examined the expected weather conditions over the coming days.
Winds strengthen through Friday
On Thursday, August 13, winds were already reaching 5 to 7 Beaufort on the mainland and locally 8 Beaufort in Attica and Boeotia, southern Evia, the Cyclades and the northeastern Aegean islands.
Gusts of more than 100 km/h were recorded in northern Attica, at Mount Dirfi on Evia and in southwestern Boeotia.
Conditions are expected to become even more severe Friday. Winds in the central Aegean, Cyclades, northeastern Aegean, as well as eastern and southern Attica and southern Evia, are forecast to reach 8 to 9 Beaufort.
At the same time, increased moisture in the middle troposphere is expected to create favorable conditions for the development of pyroconvection, particularly in western areas. Pyroconvection refers to powerful atmospheric processes associated with intense fires that can influence fire behavior and the atmosphere above them.
The strong winds will continue into Saturday, August 15, reaching 6 to 8 Beaufort and locally 9 in the Aegean. The most intense conditions are expected to persist temporarily in the Cyclades and the Attica-Boeotia region.
Winds are expected to gradually weaken from Sunday, August 16, although speeds of 6 to 7 Beaufort will continue during the early morning hours in eastern and southern parts of the country. The Risk Assessment Committee is scheduled to meet again to reassess the situation.
Attica at highest fire-risk level
Attica has been placed at Category 5, the highest level of fire risk, because of the combination of strong winds, high temperatures and prolonged dry conditions.
As a precaution, a ban on movement, passage and visitor or vehicle access took effect at midnight in several green areas of Athens and the surrounding region, including Lycabettus Hill, Finopoulos Hill, Strefi Hill, Philopappos Hill, Tourkovounia and Ilisia.
The restrictions also apply to Pedion tou Areos, as well as forest ecosystems, parks and Natura-protected areas across the Attica region.
The City of Athens has placed its Municipal Police and Cleaning and Green Services on 24-hour alert. Drones equipped with thermal cameras are being used to monitor major green spaces, while water tankers and specialized firefighting vehicles are on standby, particularly around the camps in Agios Andreas.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid any work that could produce sparks or an open flame, including welding, metal cutting and the use of blowtorches.
Anyone who encounters a dangerous situation is urged to contact the 1595 emergency line immediately.
