Heatwave Holds Firm Across Greece, Temperatures Near 40°C — Brief Relief Expected Thursday

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An unrelenting heatwave continues to grip Greece, with scorching temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C on Tuesday, 25 August, and again on Wednesday, 26 August. Clear skies will dominate most regions, though isolated thunderstorms and brief showers are forecast over the mountainous areas of Macedonia during afternoon and early evening hours.

Temperatures Peak in Attica and Peloponnese

Meteorologist Nikoleta Ziacopoulou of ERTnews reports that Tuesday will see persistently high temperatures nationwide. Western and southern Greece will experience highs of 36–38°C, while Athens and surrounding Attica may hit 40°C. On Monday, 24 August, several locations in the Peloponnese recorded temperatures exceeding 41°C — the highest being 41.5°C in Skala, Messinia.

Temporary Cooling From Thursday

According to meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas, a short-lived dip in temperatures is expected starting Thursday, 27 August, continuing through Friday and Saturday, 29 August. During this window, maximum temperatures are projected to remain below 38°C across much of the country. However, forecasters caution that this relief will be brief, with another possible heatwave anticipated after the weekend.

National Weather Outlook for Tuesday, 25 August

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts generally clear conditions nationwide, with temporary cloud cover developing over inland areas in the afternoon and early evening. Localized rain or thunderstorms are likely over mountainous terrain, especially in northern Greece. Winds will blow from northerly directions: 3–4 Beaufort in western regions and 4–6 Beaufort — locally reaching 7 Beaufort in parts of the Aegean — in eastern areas.

Temperatures will remain largely unchanged: 37–38°C across inland areas, peaking at 39°C in some locations; island regions will see highs of 34–36°C, rising to 37°C in eastern islands.

Attica

Sunny and mostly clear, with occasional brief cloud cover in the afternoon and early evening. Northerly to northeasterly winds of 3–4 Beaufort — increasing to 5–6 Beaufort along eastern coastal zones by late afternoon. Temperatures between 25°C and 38°C, with coastal areas running 2–3°C cooler.

Thessaloniki

Partly cloudy with intermittent increases in cloud cover, bringing brief showers and isolated thunderstorms — mainly over higher elevations. Winds variable at 2–4 Beaufort, shifting to southerly in the afternoon and evening at similar intensity. Temperatures ranging from 23°C to 35°C.

Fire Risk Remains High

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s Fire Danger Forecast Map places 35 regions under yellow-level alert (Category 3 fire risk) for Tuesday, 25 August — indicating high potential for wildfire ignition and spread. Affected areas include Attica, Kythira, Boeotia, and Evia, among others.

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