Greece Braces for Extreme Heatwave: Temperatures to Reach 38°C with Strong Winds on Friday – Wildfire Risk Peaks

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Greece is about to enter a thermal grip as temperatures are expected to hit up to 38°C this Friday (July 4, 2025), raising the risk of wildfires due to strong winds. According to forecasts by the National Meteorological Service (EMY), the weather will be predominantly clear with some local cloudiness over mountainous areas of Epirus and Western Macedonia during midday and afternoon hours.

Winds in western regions will be variable at 3-4 Beaufort, temporarily reaching up to 5 Beaufort over the Ionian Sea and coastal areas during the afternoon. In eastern regions, northerly winds will range between 4-6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 Beaufort around the Cyclades and Crete.

Temperature levels will rise slightly, hitting 34–36°C across most areas, peaking at 37–38°C in inland western regions, while the Cyclades and northern Crete will remain slightly cooler, not exceeding 31°C.

The heatwave intensifies from Saturday onwards, with temperatures set to surpass 40°C across several parts of the country. Monday through Thursday will see mercury levels climbing beyond 40°C locally, with Wednesday and Thursday possibly nearing 42–43°C.

This Friday poses an extreme wildfire risk, especially in Attica, Evia, Peloponnese, and the Northern Aegean islands. The Civil Protection Authority has issued a Category 4 fire danger warning for these areas. Citizens are urged to avoid outdoor activities that may trigger fires, monitor updates via official channels, and immediately report any signs of fire to emergency services.