The first mini-heatwave of summer is drawing to a close, with thermometers soaring past 43°C in several areas — even hitting a national high of 43.5°C in Leukochori, Phthiotida, according to measurements from meteo.gr, the real-time weather network of the National Observatory of Athens. The extreme heat peaked on Wednesday afternoon, just before a significant shift in weather patterns begins.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across Greece
The highest reading of the day was recorded in Leukochori (Phthiotida) at 43.5°C, followed by Sparta (Laconia) at 42°C and Mistra (Laconia) at 41.3°C. Conditions were especially oppressive in major urban centers.
In Attica, the hottest spot was Ayvonas, where temperatures reached 41.1°C. Meanwhile, central Athens remained slightly cooler, with highs holding at around 36°C.
Other notable readings included:
• Livadeia: 41.1°C
• Chalkida: 39.7°C
• Mytilene: 39.6°C
• Kalamata: 38.5°C
A Sharp Turn Toward Cooler Conditions
A dramatic change is expected starting Thursday, 23 July 2026. Heatwave conditions will ease across most of Greece, with maximum temperatures no longer exceeding 37°C — and only locally, mainly on Crete.
According to the National Observatory of Athens, Thursday will bring mostly sunny skies nationwide. However, from midday onward, cloud development is expected over mountainous inland areas of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with isolated showers possible.
The Saharan dust transport — which contributed to the intense heat and hazy skies — will subside significantly. A welcome cooling effect will arrive via north to northwesterly winds, blowing at 4–5 Beaufort across the Ionian and Aegean Seas — reaching up to 6 Beaufort locally in the Dodecanese from noon.
Relief for Major Cities
In Attica, clear skies are forecast all day, with northerly winds of 3–4 Beaufort in the morning helping temperatures drop sharply — ranging now between 23°C and 35°C, well within seasonal norms.
A similar pattern is expected in Thessaloniki, where sunshine will dominate, with only scattered clouds appearing overnight. Maximum temperatures there will stay below 36°C, while northerly winds reach up to 4 Beaufort in places.