Greece is experiencing sweltering temperatures and powerful winds on Thursday, July 3, with meteorologists warning of heightened fire risk, particularly in the Aegean and Crete.

In Crete, where wildfires have been raging uncontrollably since Wednesday across three fronts, severe northerly winds continue to fan the flames. Gusts in parts of the island are reaching up to 10 Beaufort. Conditions are expected to remain equally challenging tomorrow, according to forecasts.

The heat is also pressing down on Attica, where temperatures are climbing to 35°C. Strong northerly winds reaching up to 7 Beaufort are adding to the fire danger. “We must remain on high alert for wildfires here as well,” a meteorologist warned.

Thessaloniki is enjoying generally clear skies with little wind and temperatures also reaching 35°C, making for a calmer day in northern Greece.

Looking ahead, a significant rise in temperatures is expected next week. From Monday through Thursday, extreme heat will grip the country, with Tuesday and Wednesday likely to see highs of 40 to 42°C.

National Weather Forecast – Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY)

Skies will remain mostly clear across the country today, with only occasional cloud cover expected in mountainous areas of western and northern Greece during the afternoon.

Winds in the west will be light and variable at 3–4 Beaufort. In the Ionian and western coastal zones, occasional westerly to northwesterly gusts may occur in the afternoon. Eastern regions will experience stronger northern winds of 4–6 Beaufort, intensifying to 7 or even 8 Beaufort in the central and southern Aegean.

Temperatures will remain largely unchanged. Highs will reach 29–30°C in the Cyclades, Sporades, and Crete, 33–35°C in mainland and southern island areas, and up to 36–37°C in parts of the mainland and the Dodecanese.