Greece is entering what may be one of the most grueling weeks of this summer, with an extended and severe heatwave gripping the country. Beginning, Monday, July 21, scorching temperatures are set to dominate the week ahead, pushing conditions to unbearable extremes for much of the population.
According to forecasts, the most intense phase of the heatwave will begin on Tuesday, July 22, and last through Saturday, July 26. During this period, maximum temperatures are expected to soar as high as 42°C, with nighttime lows remaining uncomfortably high, hovering between 28°C and 29°C in many areas.
Relief is expected to arrive gradually from Sunday, July 27, when temperatures are forecast to return to more typical seasonal levels—though still high—reaching around 35°C in some regions.
Emergency Weather Bulletin in Effect
Greece’s National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued an emergency weather bulletin warning of the extreme heat expected across nearly the entire country. The bulletin notes that the heatwave is likely to subside by Saturday, July 26.
The highest temperatures—exceeding 41°C—are expected from Tuesday onwards, particularly in the interior of mainland Greece.
Authorities highlight two important factors:
Coastal vs. Inland Temperatures: In coastal mainland areas, temperatures are expected to be 2 to 4 degrees lower than those recorded inland.
Urban Heat at Night: Starting Wednesday, nighttime temperatures in urban centers are projected to stay high, ranging between 26°C and 28°C, offering little overnight relief.
Day-by-Day Forecast Breakdown
Monday, July 21:
High temperatures will prevail across mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands, and the Dodecanese.
Inland areas will see highs of 38–40°C, potentially reaching 41°C in Thessaly and Central Macedonia.
Athens and Thessaloniki are expected to reach 38°C.
The Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese will experience milder heat, around 35–36°C.
Tuesday, July 22:
Temperatures will climb even further.
Mainland Greece will see highs of 39–41°C, with parts of Central Macedonia reaching 42°C and Thessaly up to 43°C.
Athens and Thessaloniki will reach 39–40°C.
The Ionian Islands, the eastern Aegean islands, and the Dodecanese will experience 37–39°C.
Wednesday, July 23:
The intense heat will persist.
Mainland highs will remain between 40–41°C, and may hit 42–43°C in eastern regions.
Athens will reach 40°C, while Thessaloniki will record around 39°C.
Eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese are expected to see 38–40°C.
The Ionian Islands will range between 37–39°C.
Officials continue to urge the public to take precautions, remain hydrated, avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours, and keep an eye out for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children.
