A new wave of high temperatures is set to affect Greece this week, with warm weather expected to persist across the country. While temperatures will climb noticeably, meteorologists stress that conditions do not meet the criteria for a full-fledged heatwave.

According to meteorologist Giannis Kallianos, while many mainland areas will experience elevated temperatures, reaching up to 38–39°C and in some isolated inland locations even 40°C, the overall forecast indicates “heat, but not a heatwave.” He emphasizes that the temperatures, although above seasonal norms, remain within manageable levels for the region.

Weather Conditions Across Greece

Sunny skies are forecast for Monday, July 14, with only occasional afternoon cloud cover expected over mountainous areas in mainland Greece.

  • In Attica, clear skies are expected throughout the day with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 38°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at 3 to 5 Beaufort.
  • In Thessaloniki, similar conditions will prevail with temperatures between 22°C and 35°C and light, variable winds.

The Aegean Sea will continue to experience strong northern winds, known locally as the “meltemi,” blowing with consistent intensity.

Weekly Outlook for Athens

Kallianos also provided a detailed temperature outlook for Athens, indicating consistently high temperatures throughout the week:

  • Monday, July 14: 37–38°C
  • Tuesday, July 15: 37–38°C
  • Wednesday, July 16: 37–38°C
  • Thursday, July 17: 37–38°C
  • Friday, July 18: 36–38°C
  • Saturday, July 19: 36–38°C

No Extreme Weather Event According to the EFI

Former director of Greece’s National Meteorological Service (EMY), Thodoris Kolydas, explained the significance of the Extreme Forecast Index (EFI), a statistical tool developed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The EFI compares forecasted weather parameters, such as temperature, against historical climatological data to assess how unusual upcoming conditions are.

According to Kolydas, the EFI values for the week of July 14–20 indicate moderate deviation from seasonal norms over much of the country, with slightly elevated values (0.6–0.8) in northeastern and central regions. These figures support the outlook of a warm period without qualifying as an extreme heat event.

Fire Risk Remains High

Although the current forecast does not classify the week as a heatwave, fire risk remains a major concern. Kallianos warns that the combination of:

  • Prolonged high temperatures,
  • Ongoing dry conditions, and
  • Strong northerly winds (meltemi), reaching up to 7–8 Beaufort in the Central Aegean, creates a dangerous environment for the outbreak and spread of wildfires, particularly in areas with dry vegetation.

Regions Most Affected by the Heat

The most heat-sensitive areas include:

  • Plains of Central Macedonia,
  • Thessalian plain,
  • Lowland regions of Fthiotida and Viotia,
  • Agricultural areas in Argolis, Laconia, and Agrinio,
  • Parts of the Peloponnese and the Isthmus of Corinth.

Kallianos reiterates that while the heat will be typical of a Greek July, it will not reach hazardous levels for most people. “It will be hot, but not extreme,” he says, noting that this level of warmth is typical for summer in southern Europe. “We are not Scandinavia—Greece is used to heat.”

Regional Forecast Highlights

  • Macedonia & Thrace: Generally clear with possible afternoon showers in mountainous areas. Highs up to 37°C.
  • Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Greece: Mostly sunny, with possible afternoon showers in the mountains. Up to 37°C inland, 34°C on the islands.
  • Central and Eastern Greece: Clear skies with some afternoon clouds. Temperatures up to 38°C in eastern regions.
  • Cyclades & Crete: Sunny with strong northern winds. Crete may see highs up to 36°C in the south.
  • Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese: Sunny, breezy, with highs up to 36°C.
  • Thessaly: Sunny, occasional afternoon clouds. Temperatures up to 37°C.
  • Athens: Sunny, with highs of 37–38°C and cooler conditions in eastern suburbs.
  • Thessaloniki: Clear, with some cloud cover over nearby mountains in the afternoon. Highs around 36°C.