Greece will remain on heightened alert Tuesday, August 11, as dangerous hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to combine temperatures of up to 38°C with winds reaching 7 on the Beaufort scale, sharply increasing the risk of wildfires.
According to the FLAME research group, strong northerly and northeasterly winds of 40-60 kilometers per hour, locally exceeding 65 kph, are forecast. The National Meteorological Service, or Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), also forecasts high temperatures and strong winds across the country.
The regions considered at highest risk include Attica, southern Boeotia, central and southern Evia, Corinthia, Argolida, Laconia and the island of Kythira. Parts of Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Rodopi, Evros and Samos are also expected to face dangerous conditions.
In Achaia, Ilia, Rodopi and Evros, particularly intense hot and dry conditions are expected. The Aegean will see winds of up to 7 Beaufort, while temperatures will exceed 35°C and locally reach 38°C.
Very high wildfire potential
The FLAME warning, valid from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, describes the expected conditions as dangerous fire-weather conditions.
Dead forest fuels are expected to have very low moisture levels, at or below 8% and locally as low as 5% between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
The warning forecasts very high to locally extreme potential for wind-driven wildfires, with rapid rates of spread, intense heat and a significantly increased likelihood of embers starting new fires ahead of the main fire front.
Extreme fire behavior is considered possible, particularly in areas sheltered from the prevailing winds, where descending winds could create locally extreme hot and dry conditions. Intense fire behavior could also occur overnight.
A small potential for fire-induced weather phenomena is also expected, locally and temporarily in Achaia and Ilia.
The FLAME warning states that any fires that break out will be very difficult to control and urges people to remain on alert and avoid any activity that could start a fire.
The warning is part of research conducted by the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development of the National Observatory of Athens and does not replace official forecasts or announcements by the competent authorities.
Weather forecast for Tuesday
Tuesday is expected to be generally clear, with some temporary cloud cover over mountainous areas of mainland Greece during the afternoon. Local showers are possible in northern areas.
Winds will be northerly at 3-5 Beaufort, locally reaching 6 in eastern areas and up to 7 in the Aegean. Temperatures will remain high, reaching 35-37°C and locally 38°C on the mainland.
Outlook through Friday
On Wednesday, August 12, conditions will remain generally clear, with some clouds over mountainous mainland areas during the afternoon. Northerly winds will reach 3-5 Beaufort, 5-6 in the east and locally 7 in the Aegean. Temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged.
On Thursday, August 13, conditions will remain generally clear, although clouds and local rain or showers are expected in Macedonia and Epirus from midday, with isolated thunderstorms also possible. Northerly winds will reach 4-6 Beaufort and locally 7-8 in the Aegean. Temperatures are expected to fall slightly in the Ionian Islands and mainland Greece.
On Friday, August 14, temporarily increased cloud cover with local rain and possibly isolated thunderstorms is forecast in western and central Macedonia and Thessaly. Elsewhere, conditions will generally be clear, with local clouds in Crete, the Dodecanese and Epirus, where rain, showers and possibly isolated thunderstorms are expected.
Northerly winds will reach 4-6 Beaufort and locally 7-8 in the Aegean, while temperatures are expected to decline slightly further in the Ionian Islands and mainland Greece.
