Authorities across Greece are on heightened alert as a dangerous combination of strong northern winds and high temperatures raises the threat of wildfires to extreme levels, particularly in the country’s eastern and southern regions.
Meteorologists and civil protection officials have warned that Friday, August 8, is expected to be the most hazardous day, with gale-force winds forecast and soaring temperatures adding to the volatile conditions. The Greek Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued an emergency warning and activated a full civil protection alert for multiple regions across the country.
Winds Up to 100 km/h
According to the National Observatory of Athens (Meteo.gr), northern winds in Eastern Greece, the Cyclades, and southern Crete will intensify significantly. Gusts are expected to reach up to 90 km/h on Thursday and may climb to 100 km/h on Friday in affected areas including South Euboea and parts of mainland Greece.
These conditions will significantly worsen fire weather behavior, increasing the potential for wind-driven forest fires with intense thermal output. Areas that have received little to no rainfall recently face especially high risks, as fires in such dry landscapes will be harder to control.
Fire Danger Map: Extreme Risk for Several Regions
Based on the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, several areas have been placed under Category 5 (Extreme Fire Risk – State of Alert) for Friday:
- Attica Region (including the island of Kythira)
- Central Greece (Boetia and Euboea)
- Peloponnese (Argolis, Corinthia, Laconia)
Other regions facing very high fire danger (Category 4) include parts of Western and Northern Greece, Crete, the Ionian Islands, the Aegean, and Macedonia. The fire danger index is based on the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, adapted to Greek conditions.
Increased Temperatures Add to Threat
Temperatures are also rising steadily, with Western Greece expected to reach 38–40°C over the weekend. While the meltemi winds may keep eastern Greece slightly cooler (35–37°C), the fire risk remains elevated due to dryness and wind speed.
Government Coordination and Public Advisory
Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, convened an inter-ministerial coordination meeting this morning to ensure readiness. Scientific risk assessment committees had earlier flagged the combination of wind and heat as particularly hazardous, prompting early preventive measures and inter-agency coordination.
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has advised all regional and municipal authorities in the high-risk zones to be on maximum alert and ready for rapid response in case of outbreaks.
Citizens are urged to avoid all outdoor activities that could spark a fire, including:
- Burning dry grass or branches
- Using spark-producing equipment like saws and welding tools
- Lighting outdoor grills
- Smoking near wooded areas
- Discarding lit cigarettes
- Practicing beekeeping with open flames
The public is reminded that burning fields is strictly prohibited during the fire season.
In the event of a fire, citizens should immediately contact the Fire Service by dialing 199.
With dry conditions, high winds, and soaring heat, Greece enters a critical period for wildfire prevention. Authorities urge all residents and visitors to remain vigilant, cautious, and cooperative to avoid potentially catastrophic incidents.
