Greece has entered a heatwave as of Saturday, 22 August 2026, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C in several regions—including Thessaly, Western Greece, and Central Macedonia. According to Costas Lagouvardos, Director of Research at the National Observatory of Athens and head of meteo.gr, this marks the first major heatwave of the summer season—and one expected to last for six to seven days.
Widespread High Temperatures
The most intense conditions are forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with maximum temperatures reaching 38–40°C across much of the country. Locally—particularly in inland valleys and low-lying areas—temperatures may climb to 41–42°C. Air masses over Greece are currently 6–8°C warmer than seasonal norms, contributing to the prolonged warmth.
Regional Variations
While Monday and Tuesday will bring some relief to eastern and southern parts of Greece, including Attica, the Cyclades, and northern Crete—thanks to strengthening meltemi winds—the same won’t hold true for Thessaly, Western Greece, and Central Macedonia. There, high temperatures will persist through mid-week. The meltemi is expected to reach force 5 on the Beaufort scale, locally peaking at 6–7 in southern and southeastern areas.
Elevated Fire Risk
Lagouvardos warns that the combination of extreme heat and intensifying winds from Monday onward will significantly increase wildfire risk. Prolonged dryness and rising temperatures are accelerating the drying of combustible vegetation, worsening pyrometeorological indices day by day—a situation uncommon so late in August.
Heat Stress Concerns
Christos Giannaros, Associate Professor of Meteorology and Climatology at the University of Ioannina’s Department of Physics, emphasized the growing thermal stress, particularly in Thessaly, Western Greece, and Central Macedonia. He described Sunday as likely the most challenging day overall, with nearly the entire country—excluding very high mountain zones—facing high heat stress by Sunday. Thessaly remains a particular hotspot, where thermometers could reach up to 40°C.