Greece is enduring a scorching ‘mini’ heatwave, with temperatures already exceeding 40°C across much of the country. The extreme conditions began on Monday, 20 July 2026, and are expected to peak over the next two days before easing from Thursday.
Record Heat on Monday
According to data from the National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr’s network of automated weather stations, the highest maximum temperature recorded on Monday was 41.1°C — registered simultaneously in Riza (Corinthia), Makrakomi (Phthiotida), and Oleni (Elis). A map published by meteo.gr shows that 24 stations recorded highs above 40°C — roughly 4% of the network — while 159 stations (about 28%) exceeded 37°C.
Tuesday and Wednesday: The Hottest Days
Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to be the most intense days of the heatwave. Temperatures are expected to surpass 40°C — particularly across mainland Greece — pushing the national heat index into the yellow alert category in several areas.
On Tuesday, the greatest thermal stress is anticipated in Attica and parts of mainland Greece. By Wednesday, the highest readings will concentrate in eastern Central Greece, southern Peloponnese, and locally in Crete.
Gradual Relief Expected From Thursday
A noticeable cooldown is forecast for Thursday across most of the country. Only some southern and southeastern regions will retain relatively elevated temperatures.
Weather Forecast for Tuesday, 21 July
The weather will be generally clear, with brief cloud cover developing over inland areas during midday and afternoon hours. Isolated showers or thunderstorms are possible in northern mountainous zones, as well as in central and eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
African dust is expected to partially enter the atmosphere, especially over western Greece.
Winds will be light and variable in the west early in the day, shifting to westerly or northwesterly at 3–4 Beaufort — locally reaching 5 — from noon onward. In eastern Greece and the Aegean, northerly winds will blow at 3–5 Beaufort, occasionally reaching 6 near the islands.
Temperatures will remain high nationwide: 33–34°C in the Cyclades; 35–37°C — locally up to 38°C — across other islands; and 38–39°C — with isolated peaks of 40–41°C — in mainland areas.