Μake us preferred on Google Greece is heading into its first major heat wave of the summer, with temperatures expected to rise sharply from Thursday and remain unusually high for at least seven to eight days.
Meteorologists warn that temperatures will exceed 37°C to 38°C in many parts of the country, while some areas could see temperatures above 40°C. There are also indications that the mercury could reach 42°C in areas particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
The prolonged duration of the hot weather is expected to be one of its most notable characteristics, with forecasters warning that the persistent heat could place significant strain on the population.
First major heat wave of the summer
Meteorologist and research director at the National Observatory of Athens Kostas Lagouvardos described the coming period as an exhausting heat wave that could last at least seven or eight days and potentially continue until the end of August.
“From today, a warm period begins, a heat wave, I would say, that will last at least seven or eight days, possibly continuing until the end of the month,” Lagouvardos said, according to Orange Press Agency.
He said temperatures would not reach extreme levels across the country but would exceed 37°C or 38°C in many areas, with local temperatures reaching 40°C and possibly slightly higher during the weekend.
“What is remarkable is the duration,” Lagouvardos said, noting that at least seven or eight days of very high temperatures could significantly tire the population.
According to Lagouvardos, warmer air masses are now moving toward Greece and other parts of Eastern Europe and the Balkans after temperatures dropped considerably in Western Europe following successive heat waves.
He described the event as the first major heat wave of the summer, arriving during its final days, since meteorological summer ends at the end of August.
Temperatures could reach 42°C
Meteorologist Giannis Kallianos also forecast a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures reaching 40°C in some areas.
He said there are indications that temperatures could rise to as high as 42°C toward the end of the month.
Kallianos also left open the possibility that the high temperatures could continue through the end of August or into early September.
Forecast calls for persistent heat
Meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias described the conditions as “persistent heat on the way,” warning that the third week of August could be particularly warm across Greece.
He said the heat could acquire considerable duration and persistence and that episodes of extreme heat could not be ruled out, with temperatures rising to particularly high levels in some areas.
Temperatures reach 39°C Thursday
According to data from the National Observatory of Athens, Thursday, Aug. 20, will bring sunny weather across the country, with a few local clouds and a further slight rise in temperatures.
Temperatures in Thessaly are expected to reach 37°C to 39°C. Other mainland areas will see highs of 36°C to 37°C, with some locations potentially reaching 38°C.
In Macedonia and Thrace, temperatures are expected to reach 35°C to 37°C.
In Athens, skies will remain clear, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 37°C. Thessaloniki will see temperatures between 24°C and 34°C.
Northerly winds of 3 to 5 Beaufort are forecast in the Aegean Sea, while northwesterly winds in the Ionian Sea will reach up to 4 Beaufort.
