A major European heatwave — responsible for record-breaking temperatures, fatalities, and widespread discomfort across the UK, France, and Spain — is arriving in Greece this week. However, meteorologists say it will be significantly weakened upon entry, bringing only moderate heat and widespread atmospheric instability instead of extreme conditions.
Thunderstorms and Rain Expected Across Several Regions
From Tuesday, 30 June 2026, scattered thunderstorms and localized rain are forecast across parts of mainland Greece. The most affected areas will include Epirus, Central and Western Macedonia, as well as mountainous zones in western Central Greece and western Peloponnese. Meanwhile, northerly winds up to 6 Beaufort are expected across the Aegean Sea.
Temperatures: Up to 39°C in Northern Greece
While the heatwave’s peak intensity won’t be felt in Greece, its residual influence will push temperatures to 35–37°C across much of the mainland — with localized highs of 39°C in parts of northern Greece, particularly central Macedonia. That region is expected to bear the brunt of the warm air mass.
Detailed Forecast for Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (Hellenic National Meteorological Service)
Most of the country will see generally clear skies, though brief cloud cover is expected during afternoon and early evening hours — especially over inland areas. Isolated thunderstorms and showers are likely in Epirus, western and central Macedonia, and the mountainous zones of western Central Greece and western Peloponnese.
Winds will blow from northerly directions at 3–5 Beaufort, reaching 6 Beaufort locally in the Aegean. Temperatures will remain mostly stable: 30–32°C in the northern Aegean and Cyclades; 34–36°C elsewhere; and up to 37°C in inland northern regions.
Regional Breakdown
Thrace & Macedonia: Mostly clear, with increasing clouds in the afternoon — especially over western and central Macedonia — bringing isolated thunderstorms. Winds northerly, 3–5 Beaufort. Temperatures range from 20°C to 36°C, peaking at 37°C in central Macedonia; western Macedonia will be 2–3°C cooler.
Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Central Greece, Western Peloponnese: Generally clear, with afternoon cloud development leading to localized showers and thunderstorms — mainly over Epirus and mountainous western regions. Northerly winds at 3–5 Beaufort. Temperatures between 22°C and 36°C, slightly lower (by 2–3°C) in inland Epirus.
Thessaly, Eastern Central Greece, Evia, Eastern Peloponnese: Mostly clear, with limited cloud cover — initially over Thessaly and later during midday hours. No significant precipitation is expected in these areas.