The weather pattern is shifting again. Starting today, 18 June 2026, atmospheric instability—previously bringing rain and thunderstorms across Greece—is receding, while northerly winds strengthen, especially over the Aegean Sea.
High Fire Risk in 11 Regions
The fire danger level has already reached Category 3 (high risk) in several eastern parts of the country, according to the Fire Danger Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administrative Reconstruction.
The areas under a yellow fire alert today include:
- Attica
- Evia
- Lesvos (Mytilene)
- Chios
- Psara
- Samos
- Ikaria
- Karpathos
- Kasos
- Heraklion (Crete)
- Lassithi (Crete)
Strong Winds and Cooling Trend
Meteorologist Olga Papavgiouli of ERT News notes that northerly winds will reach up to 7 Beaufort across the Aegean today, helping suppress further convective activity. However, gusts may locally hit 8 Beaufort—especially over central and southern Aegean islands—by Friday.
Temperatures will drop slightly in eastern mainland areas, where highs will stay between 31°C and 32°C. Elsewhere on the mainland, they’ll range from 32°C to 34°C—and reach up to 35°C in some western locations.
Forecast Overview
Today (Thursday): Mostly clear skies nationwide, with brief morning cloud cover and isolated showers in Evia. Increased cloudiness and scattered showers or thunderstorms are expected during afternoon and early evening hours over eastern Central Greece, Evia, the Peloponnese, and mountainous areas of central and northern Greece. Conditions will improve by night.
Friday: Isolated showers possible in northern Thessaly and Macedonia. Strong northerlies—up to 7–8 Beaufort—will limit storm development. Maximum temperatures will dip further, reaching around 31°C nationally, though western regions may still see 35°C.
Saturday–Sunday: Sustained strong Meltemi winds (up to 7 Beaufort) continue across the Aegean, with temperatures holding steady at seasonal levels.
Monday: Northerly winds remain strong in the Aegean, and temperatures stay within normal ranges for this time of year.
Heightened Vigilance Needed
According to Papavgiouli, heightened caution is essential across eastern mainland Greece and the Aegean islands. The combination of strong northerly winds, low humidity, and ongoing vegetation drying creates ideal conditions for rapid fire ignition and spread.