Today (22 July 2026), the Risk Assessment Committee convened again under the chairmanship of Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas. The meeting followed the Hellenic National Meteorological Service’s (EMY) emergency weather update warning of intensifying heat across Greece.
Red Alert Remains in Effect
The committee — convened by General Secretary of Civil Protection Nikos Papaeustathiou — confirmed that high temperatures will persist today across multiple regions. As of now, the following areas remain under the highest-level ‘Red Code’ alert:
- The Region of Attica
- The Regional Units of Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis, and Euboea (Region of Central Greece)
- The Regional Units of Argolis, Corinthia, Arcadia, and Laconia (Region of Peloponnese)
- The Regional Units of Aetolia-Acarnania and Achaea (Region of Western Greece)
- The Region of Thessaly
- The Regional Units of Kilkis and Thessaloniki (Region of Central Macedonia)
- The Regional Unit of Rhodes (Region of South Aegean)
Localized Storms Expected in the North
Despite the widespread heat, strong thunderstorms — locally intense — are forecast for Central, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. These may bring heavy winds and hail. Westerly winds of force 6, locally reaching 7 on the Beaufort scale, are expected in affected areas.
Civil Protection Urges Extreme Caution
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued a strong public appeal urging citizens to exercise maximum caution. Outdoor activities that could spark wildfires must be avoided entirely, including:
- Burning dry grass, branches or agricultural waste
- Using spark-producing machinery (e.g., angle grinders, welding equipment)
- Operating outdoor barbecues
- Smoking near beehives
- Discarding lit cigarettes
- Any other activity posing an ignition risk
It is also reiterated that field burning remains strictly prohibited throughout the fire season.
Ministry services are already in active coordination with all relevant agencies to ensure full situational awareness and operational readiness.