Today brings dangerously volatile weather across Greece, as soaring temperatures combine with powerful northerly winds—creating an explosive mix that has pushed fire danger to extreme levels. Thermometers are expected to climb as high as 39°C in parts of western Greece, while the meltemi winds intensify, particularly across the Aegean Sea and Crete.
Extreme Fire Danger in Crete and Southern Aegean
The National Civil Protection Authority has declared a Level 5 fire risk—its highest alert—for the entire Region of Crete and the Southern Aegean region, including the regional units of Rhodes and Karpathos. These areas are now under full emergency alert due to exceptionally dry conditions, high temperatures, and gusty winds that could rapidly spread any ignition.
Very High Fire Risk Across Broad Swathes of Greece
A Level 4 (very high) fire risk has been issued for multiple regions: Attica—including Kythira; Central Greece, especially Evia; the Northern Aegean islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, and Ikaria; the Cyclades, Kalymnos, and Kos in the Southern Aegean; and Laconia in the Peloponnese.
Winds Reach Gales, Especially in Crete
According to high-resolution forecasts from the National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr, northerly winds across the Aegean will strengthen significantly, averaging Force 7 on the Beaufort scale—with localized gusts reaching Force 8 in the southeastern Aegean. Crete sits at the epicenter of the strongest winds: gusts are expected to exceed 100 km/h island-wide, and may reach 110–120 km/h along the eastern coast. In the southeastern Aegean, gusts up to 90 km/h are forecast.
Gradual Calm from Sunday Onward
From Sunday afternoon, 30 August 2026, winds are expected to gradually ease, dropping to around Force 6. This will help moderate temperature differences between eastern and western Greece, with highs stabilizing near 36°C. Further weakening of the meltemi will allow a slight rebound in temperatures early next week, hovering between 36°C and 37°C.
Today’s Weather Overview
Saturday features generally clear skies nationwide. Brief cloud increases are expected during morning hours in northeastern areas and in the afternoon over mainland regions. Isolated thunderstorms are possible this afternoon in western and central Macedonia, Epirus, and possibly parts of western Thessaly.