Strong northerly winds and persistently high temperatures will dominate Greece’s weather over the coming days, significantly raising the risk of wildfires. Atmospheric instability is already subsiding across the country, and the weekend will feature clear, typical summer conditions with meltemi winds.
Winds Up to 8 Beaufort, Heat Rising Next Week
According to meteorologist Anastasia Tyraski, northerly winds of up to 7 Beaufort are expected across the Aegean on Saturday, 27 July 2026 — gradually extending to eastern mainland areas. This combination of dry, gusty winds and warm air creates ideal conditions for rapid fire ignition and spread.
Temperatures will remain elevated, hovering around 35–36°C, though no extreme heatwave conditions are anticipated in the immediate forecast.
Saturday to Monday: Clear Skies, Increasing Wind Risk
Saturday will see a marked decrease in atmospheric instability, with only isolated thunderstorms possible in northwestern Greece. Sunday and Monday will be generally cloudless, but northerly winds will strengthen further — reaching up to 8 Beaufort locally in the Aegean.
This wind intensification will elevate the wildfire risk, particularly across eastern mainland regions, including Attica. Authorities anticipate heightened fire danger across these areas over the weekend and into Monday.
From Tuesday onward, the meltemi will begin to weaken — reducing fire risk — but allowing temperatures to climb. By midweek, thermometers are expected to reach 38°C as warmer air masses move in from Central Europe. Still, authorities note that the broader European heatwave will have begun to subside by the time it reaches Greece, preventing truly extreme values.
Orange Fire Danger Warning for 17 Regions
A national Fire Danger Forecast Map — issued by relevant authorities — has placed 17 regions under Category 4 (Very High Fire Danger) for Saturday, 27 July.
The affected areas include: Attica, Kythira, Evia, Skyros, Boeotia, Argolis, Corinthia, Laconia, Lesvos, Chios, Ikaria, Phthiotis, Phocis, Achaea, Elis, Messinia, and Arcadia.
The rest of mainland and island Greece falls under Category 3 (High Fire Danger).
Civil Protection Advisories
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr), under the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, has alerted all relevant state services, regional authorities, and municipalities in the affected areas to maintain heightened readiness.
Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution — especially in rural and forested areas. Activities such as burning dry grass or pruning debris, using spark-producing equipment (e.g., angle grinders or welding tools), or lighting open fires are strongly discouraged.