Extremely hot and oppressive conditions are expected across Greece on Sunday, August 23, as a powerful heatwave pushes temperatures to 40°C in several inland areas. According to the National Observatory of Athens (EMY), skies will be mostly clear nationwide, though brief cloud cover is likely over mountainous and inland regions during afternoon hours — potentially triggering isolated showers or thunderstorms, especially in northern and central mountain ranges.
Regional Outlook
Macedonia and Thrace: Generally clear with temporary clouds in the afternoon; isolated thunderstorms possible over mountainous parts of Macedonia. Winds will be variable at 3–4 Beaufort, shifting to easterly or northeasterly at up to 5 Beaufort by evening in eastern sectors. Temperatures will range from 21°C to 38–39°C, reaching 40°C locally in central Macedonia. Overnight lows in western Macedonia will be 2–3°C cooler than usual.
Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Central Greece, and Western Peloponnese: Predominantly sunny, with short-lived cloud development in the afternoon over higher elevations — possibly bringing scattered rain or brief downbursts. Northerly to northwesterly winds will blow at 4–5 Beaufort, reaching 6 Beaufort locally in the northern Ionian Sea. Daytime highs will climb to 35°C, and up to 36–38°C in inland Epirus, where minimum temperatures will dip 2–4°C below average.
Thessaly, Eastern Central Greece, Evia, and Eastern Peloponnese: Mostly clear, with occasional afternoon cloudiness — especially over Thessaly’s mountains, where isolated showers or thunderstorms may occur. Winds from northern quadrants will reach 4–5 Beaufort, strengthening to 6 Beaufort locally along eastern coasts after nightfall. Temperatures will range from 23°C to 38–39°C, hitting 40°C in some inland zones.
Cyclades and Crete: Sunny and stable, with northerly to northwesterly winds at 4–5 Beaufort, increasing to 6 Beaufort in spots after midday. Highs will reach 34°C, climbing to 36–37°C in parts of Crete.
Eastern Aegean Islands and Dodecanese: Clear skies throughout. Northerly to northwesterly winds will intensify to 6 Beaufort locally from noon onward. Temperatures will rise to 36°C, with isolated spots reaching 37°C.
Attica: Mostly sunny, with limited, transient cloud cover in the afternoon and early evening. Winds will be light and variable (3–4 Beaufort) but shift to northerly or northeasterly at 4–5 Beaufort in eastern suburbs — peaking at 6 Beaufort locally by night. Daytime highs will reach 37–38°C, dropping 2–3°C near coastal areas.
Thessaloniki: Generally clear, with passing clouds developing around midday and into the afternoon — raising the chance of isolated showers or brief thunderstorms over nearby mountains. Winds will remain light and variable (2–4 Beaufort), turning southerly during peak afternoon hours.