Greece has officially entered a severe heatwave, with soaring temperatures expected to persist from today, August 22, 2026, through mid-week—and possibly longer in several regions. The country is now under a widespread thermal ‘oven’ effect, as daytime highs climb steadily across the mainland and islands.
Record-Breaking Heat Across the Country
Maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 38°C and 40°C nationwide, with localized peaks reaching 41°C–42°C—particularly in inland and low-lying areas. Sunday is expected to be the most intense day—and night—of the episode. In Athens, thermometers will hit 39°C at midday, while nighttime lows will remain unusually high, hovering around 30°C in the capital.
Regional Outlook
Temperatures of up to 40°C are predicted in Serres, Karditsa, Lamia, and Argos, as well as across parts of southern Crete—where readings will approach 39°C starting Sunday. Athens is also expected to reach 39°C. From Monday onward, cities including Arta, Agrinio, and Pyrgos will see sustained highs of 40°C.
Wind and Weather Patterns
From Monday, strong northerly winds—known locally as meltemia—will intensify across the Aegean Sea, reaching up to 7 on the Beaufort scale in some areas. Meanwhile, today’s weather remains mostly clear, with only brief cloud cover and isolated showers or thunderstorms possible over mountainous inland regions during afternoon and early evening hours. Morning visibility may be reduced in western Greece due to localized fog or haze.
Regional Breakdown
Macedonia & Thrace: Generally clear skies, with occasional increased cloudiness in mountainous zones and isolated rain or thunderstorms possible. Winds will be light and variable (2–3 Beaufort), shifting to easterly or northeasterly (3–4 Beaufort) in eastern areas during morning hours. Temperatures will range from 21°C to 38°C–39°C, reaching 40°C locally in central Macedonia.
Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Central Greece, and Western Peloponnese: Mostly sunny, with limited cloud development in inland mountainous zones—potentially triggering isolated showers or thunderstorms. Winds will be westerly to northwesterly, 4–5 Beaufort, locally rising to 6. Temperatures will vary from 23°C to 34°C, climbing to 35°C–37°C in inland locations.
Thessaly, Eastern Central Greece, Evia, and Eastern Peloponnese: Predominantly clear, with brief cloud increases over mountainous terrain and a chance of isolated precipitation. Winds will be light and variable (3–4 Beaufort).