Meteorologists are sounding the alarm as a powerful ‘heat dome’ is set to hit Greece, bringing with it extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C. This phenomenon, responsible for record-breaking heat across Central and Western Europe, will cause a dramatic spike in temperatures, even in regions not typically affected by such intense heatwaves.
According to forecasts, this new wave of heat will reach Greece starting on Monday, with peak temperatures expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. Meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas explained that the high-pressure system currently covering parts of Europe is shifting eastward, bringing extremely hot air masses toward the Balkans. Although there is no direct inflow from North Africa, the heat buildup remains significant.
“The overall movement of air masses can be seen in the video, showing how the heat is moving towards our region with modified air masses and maximum temperatures expected on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Kolydas noted.
He added that a gradual cooling trend will begin on Wednesday, with temperatures dropping more significantly from the northwest by Thursday, signaling the end of the worst of the heatwave.
Another meteorologist, Klearchos Marousakis, also shared insights about the event, emphasizing that Wednesday and Thursday will be the hottest days, with temperatures reaching up to 43°C. He warned of an extreme fire risk during this period, especially on Thursday, when a cold front descending from the northern Balkans could enhance northwesterly winds to near-storm levels.
Marousakis described the ‘heat dome’ effect, explaining that it occurs when a high-pressure atmospheric system traps hot air near the surface, preventing it from escaping into higher tropospheric layers. This creates a dangerous accumulation of heat, particularly in lower atmospheric levels.
As the heat dome shifts eastward over the weekend, it will bring a four-day extreme heat episode across Greece, with local temperatures surpassing 40°C. The situation will become most critical on Wednesday and Thursday, posing serious health risks and increasing the danger of wildfires.
By Thursday, as the heatwave begins to subside, strong winds will further elevate the risk of dangerous fires, especially in northern regions. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Here’s the detailed weather forecast from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY):
– **Saturday, July 5, 2025**: Mainly clear skies with isolated showers in mountainous areas of northern Greece in the afternoon.
– **Sunday, July 6, 2025**: Sunny with possible brief showers in the mountains of Epirus and Macedonia.
– **Monday, July 7, 2025**: Hotter conditions with temperatures reaching up to 41°C inland.
– **Tuesday, July 8, 2025**: Continued high temperatures, peaking at 43°C in some areas.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and closely follow updates from local authorities.