Greece is currently experiencing a period of intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. This heatwave is expected to last at least until mid-August, while strong northern winds will continue to blow, gradually easing after Thursday.

Current Weather Conditions

On Monday, August 11, the weather across Greece remains mostly clear with abundant sunshine. Some scattered clouds are present in parts of northern Greece, specifically Macedonia and Thrace, during midday. Temperatures remain high for this time of year, reaching up to 41 or 42 degrees Celsius in western Greece and the southern Peloponnese. Elsewhere on the mainland, highs are around 36 to 37 degrees Celsius, while the islands of the eastern Aegean see temperatures reaching up to 38 degrees.

Northern winds prevail throughout the country. In the Ionian Sea, winds range between 3 to 5 Beaufort, occasionally reaching 6. The Aegean Sea experiences stronger gusts of 6 to 7 Beaufort, with the central and northern Aegean seeing winds as high as 8 Beaufort. Athens enjoys clear skies and temperatures around 37 degrees, with winds from the north reaching 4 to 6 Beaufort and gusting up to 8 in eastern parts of the region during midday. Thessaloniki has clear weather, with temperatures around 36 degrees and variable winds of 2 to 4 Beaufort.

Where the Heat Will Peak

Meteorologist Giannis Kallianos highlights that the extreme heat of 40 degrees Celsius and above will be mostly confined to western Greece, lasting three to four days. Regions expected to experience the highest temperatures include Epirus, western Central Greece, and the western and southern Peloponnese. The Ionian Islands will also face highs near 39 to 40 degrees.

Notably, Athens will not see temperatures reaching 40 degrees. Instead, highs will peak at 37 to 38 degrees until Tuesday, with a gradual decline starting Wednesday. There is a small chance of local spots in western Peloponnese exceeding 42 degrees briefly on Tuesday, August 12. Central and eastern Macedonia and Thrace may also approach 40 degrees, while the rest of the mainland is expected to stay below 38 degrees. The Aegean islands will generally experience milder temperatures, mostly between 34 and 36 degrees, except the northeastern Aegean where 38 to 39 degrees are possible.

Weather Outlook and Risks

Key points summarizing the upcoming weather pattern include:

  • The intense heat will primarily affect western Greece for the next three to four days.
  • From August 13 to 18, temperatures are forecast to drop to more tolerable levels, ranging from 33 to 35 degrees in most regions, and 35 to 37 degrees in the west.
  • The strong northerly winds known as “meltemi” will remain persistent until around August 17-18, with minor fluctuations in strength.
  • Due to the combination of heat and winds, the risk of wildfires will stay elevated for at least another week.

Impact of Winds on Sea Temperatures

According to the National Observatory of Athens’ meteo.gr, prolonged strong winds have influenced sea surface temperatures in various areas. For instance, unusually warm waters appear in the southeastern Aegean, which is not affected by strong winds. In contrast, the Ionian Sea experiences cooling near the coast due to a wind-driven process called upwelling, where deeper, cooler waters rise to the surface as surface waters are pushed offshore by onshore winds.

Regional Weather Summary for Monday, August 11

  • Macedonia and Thrace: Clear skies; north to northeast winds 3-5 Beaufort (up to 6 locally); temperatures 20 to 38 degrees Celsius.
  • Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Central Greece, Western Peloponnese: Clear weather; north winds 4-5 Beaufort, up to 6 locally; highs between 38 and 41 degrees.
  • Thessaly, Eastern Central Greece, Euboea, Eastern Peloponnese: Clear skies; north-northeast winds 4-6 Beaufort, gusting 7-8 locally; temperatures 22 to 37 degrees.
  • Cyclades, Crete: Clear; north winds 6-7 Beaufort, locally 8; temperatures 24 to 37 degrees.
  • Northeastern Aegean Islands, Dodecanese: Clear; north winds 5-7 Beaufort; temperatures 25 to 38 degrees.
  • Attica (including Athens): Clear skies; north-northeast winds 5-6 Beaufort, gusting 7-8 locally; temperatures 25 to 36 degrees.
  • Thessaloniki: Clear skies; variable winds 3-4 Beaufort; temperatures 23 to 35 degrees.

Residents and visitors are advised to remain cautious due to the combination of high temperatures and strong winds, which increase wildfire risk and pose health hazards related to heat exposure