Greece remains under an intense heatwave this week, with temperatures forecast to peak on Thursday and Friday, according to an updated severe weather bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY). The heat is expected to ease by Sunday, July 27.

Temperatures to Soar Up to 43°C

According to the EMY, daytime temperatures will remain exceptionally high across the country in the coming days. The lowest nighttime temperatures will also remain elevated, especially in urban areas, ranging between 27°C and 29°C.

Here’s a breakdown of the heatwave’s expected progression:

• Tuesday (July 22) & Wednesday (July 23):
  • Mainland areas: 39–41°C
  • Central Macedonia, eastern Central Greece, eastern Peloponnese: up to 42°C
  • Thessaly: as high as 43°C
  • Athens & Thessaloniki: 39–40°C
  • Eastern Aegean islands & Dodecanese: 37–39°C, locally up to 41°C on Wednesday
  • Ionian Islands & Crete: 37–38°C
• Thursday (July 24):
  • Mainland: 39–41°C, locally up to 42–43°C in the east
  • Athens: 41–42°C
  • Thessaloniki: 40°C
  • Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese: 38–40°C
  • Ionian Islands & Crete: 37–39°C
• Friday (July 25):
  • Mainland: 40–41°C, locally 42°C and up to 43°C in the west
  • Athens: 41–42°C
  • Thessaloniki: 39°C
  • Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese: 38–40°C
  • Ionian Islands: 38–40°C
  • Southern Crete: around 39°C

Starting Friday, strengthened northerly winds of up to 6 on the Beaufort scale are expected, mainly in eastern regions and across the Aegean. These winds will intensify further on Saturday, helping to gradually cool down temperatures across the country.

With some areas reaching up to 43°C, Thursday and Friday are projected to be the most difficult days of this heatwave