Greece is facing sharply contrasting weather conditions over the next several hours, according to an updated emergency weather bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY). A dangerous heatwave is gripping much of eastern mainland Greece today, 22 July 2026 — with temperatures soaring as high as 43°C in Thessaly — while intense thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for Macedonia and Thrace later this afternoon.
Extreme Heat Across Eastern Mainland
The EMY’s revised alert highlights that exceptionally high temperatures will affect eastern continental Greece today. The most extreme readings are expected in Thessaly, eastern Central Greece (Sterea Ellada), and eastern Peloponnese. Specifically:
- In Thessaly, highs of 41–42°C are forecast, reaching locally up to 43°C.
- In eastern Central Greece, including Attica, temperatures will climb to 41–42°C — with eastern Attica potentially hitting 40–41°C.
- In eastern Peloponnese, mercury levels are expected to peak at 41–42°C.
Thunderstorms Move In From the North
While heat dominates central and southern regions, localized but powerful thunderstorms — accompanied by strong gusty winds (‘bourinies’), frequent lightning, and possible hail — are expected from late afternoon across Macedonia, spreading gradually into Thrace. These phenomena are expected to weaken after midnight.
Extreme Fire Danger in Three Regions
A separate fire risk map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection) warns of extreme fire danger (Level 5 — Emergency Alert) today in:
- Attica
- Sterea Ellada (specifically Boeotia and Phthiotis prefectures)
- Peloponnese (Argolis and Corinthia prefectures)
A very high fire risk (Level 4) is also in effect across parts of Arcadia and Laconia (Peloponnese), Aetolia-Acarnania and Achaea (Western Greece), Phocis and Evia (Sterea Ellada), Thessaly, Central Macedonia (Kilkis and Thessaloniki), and Rhodes (South Aegean).
Other Weather Notes
Isolated showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected early this morning in Epirus and northern Ionian islands. Elsewhere in northern Greece, skies will remain mostly clear with only limited cloud cover.