Greece is set to be engulfed in a heatwave starting Sunday, July 5th, as the thermal dome that scorched Europe moves into the country, pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. According to the latest meteorological models, the worst days will be Monday and Tuesday, with some areas possibly reaching up to 42°C.
The National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued a warning, stating that ‘very high temperatures are expected across Greece from Sunday, July 6th, until Wednesday, July 9th. The temperature rise will begin in western regions and Macedonia on Saturday, July 5th, spreading to the rest of mainland Greece by Sunday.
The highest values, exceeding 40°C, will occur from Monday in the inland parts of mainland Greece, particularly in the west, central, and northern areas.
It is noted that:
A. Maximum temperatures in coastal areas will be 2 to 4 degrees lower than those recorded inland.
B. Humidity levels will remain low, dropping to around 20-30% during midday hours in inland areas.
C. Minimum temperatures in urban centers on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will remain high, ranging between 26 and 28°C.
Detailed Forecast:
1. On Sunday (July 6th), high temperatures will dominate across inland areas and the Ionian islands. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach:
a) 38-39°C, locally up to 40°C in Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus, and western Central Greece.
b) 37-39°C in eastern Central Greece and the Peloponnese.
c) 35-36°C in the Ionian islands.
2. On Monday (July 7th), extremely high temperatures will hit the Ionian islands and all inland regions, with rising temperatures also in the eastern island regions. Maxima are expected to reach:
a) 39-40°C, locally up to 41°C in mainland Greece.
b) 36-38°C in the Ionian islands, eastern Aegean islands, and the Dodecanese.
3. On Tuesday (July 8th) and Wednesday (July 9th), a slight decrease is expected in the Ionian and western inland areas, while temperatures will slightly increase (by 1-2°C) in eastern inland areas and the Aegean. Inland maximums could reach 41-42°C.
Live Weather Update:
On Sunday, July 6th, excellent weather conditions will prevail nationwide, accompanied by high temperatures. Clouds may develop over mountainous areas during the warmest hours, with isolated showers in northwestern mountainous regions.
Temperature ranges:
– Western Macedonia: 16°C to 34-36°C
– Rest of Macedonia and Thrace: 18°C to 35-37°C, locally 38°C
– Thessaly: 16°C to 38-39°C, locally 40°C
– Western Greece: 22°C to 38-40°C
– Other inland areas: 22°C to 37-39°C
– Ionian Islands: 21°C to 34-36°C
– Aegean islands and Crete: 21°C to 32-34°C
– Eastern Aegean islands: Locally up to 36-38°C
Wind forecasts:
In the Central and Northern Aegean, northerly winds at 3-5 Beaufort; in the South Aegean, westerly winds at similar intensities. In the Ionian Sea, northwest winds at 2-4 Beaufort.
Athens will experience sunny skies and significant heat, with northeasterly winds at 2-4 Beaufort and temperatures ranging from 26°C to 38°C. In Thessaloniki, expect sunny conditions with local clouds during the warmest hours, southerly winds at 2-3 Beaufort, and temperatures between 25°C and 35°C.
High Fire Risk Across Several Regions:
According to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, the fire risk remains high across several areas of Greece. Based on the Fire Danger Forecast Map, the following regions are under Category 3 (high risk):
– Attica, Evia, Boeotia, Phthiotis, and Phocis
– Aetolia-Acarnania, Arta, Preveza, and Thesprotia
– Argolis, Corinthia, and Laconia
– Areas in Messinia, Elis, Arcadia, Achaea, and Magnesia
– Lesvos, Chios, Psara, and Samos
– Islands of the Rhodes Regional Unit