A new heatwave is arriving in Greece, following its scorching impact across Europe. This thermal dome will bring intense heat starting Saturday (05/07/2025), with temperatures soaring up to 39°C. The hot weather will be accompanied by weakening Meltemia winds, making the atmosphere even more stifling. From Sunday onwards, a prolonged period of extreme heat begins and is expected to last for several days.
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), Saturday’s weather will be mostly clear with local cloudiness over northern mountainous areas during midday and afternoon hours, possibly leading to brief showers. Winds in western regions will be light and variable, increasing temporarily to northwest winds of 3–4 Beaufort during the afternoon. In eastern areas, northerly winds will blow at 4–6 Beaufort.
Temperatures are set to reach 36–38°C inland, peaking at 39°C in northern regions, while coastal areas and islands such as the Ionian and Dodecanese will see highs of 35–36°C. Cyclades will remain cooler, not exceeding 29°C.
The Meteo forecast indicates sunny skies with few clouds inland and high temperatures nationwide. Strong Meltemi winds, reaching up to 5 Beaufort in the Aegean, will also affect conditions. On Saturday, July 5th, excellent weather will dominate across the country, with locally high temperatures for this time of year. During the hottest part of the day, mountainous inland areas may experience cloud development and isolated showers.
Temperature ranges across the country:
– Western Macedonia: 14–34°C
– Rest of Macedonia and Thrace: 18–35–37°C
– Thessaly: 16–37–39°C
– Western Greece: 22–37–40°C
– Other inland areas: 20–36–38°C
– Ionian Islands: 20–34–36°C
– Aegean Islands and Crete: 21–31–33°C
– Dodecanese and Eastern Aegean Islands: Up to 35–37°C
Winds in the Aegean will come from northern directions at 4–5 Beaufort, while westerly winds in the Ionian Sea will range between 3–4 Beaufort. Athens will experience sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 25–36°C and northeasterly winds of 3–4 Beaufort. In Thessaloniki, scattered clouds will appear mainly during the warmest hours, with southerly winds at 2–3 Beaufort and temperatures between 25–34°C.
A very high fire risk (category 4) has been issued for Attica and Evia, according to the Fire Danger Forecast Map released by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection. Extreme caution is advised due to the dangerous combination of heat and dry conditions.
From Sunday, an extended heatwave will begin, lasting at least four days until Wednesday (09/07/2025). Temperatures could climb as high as 42°C, making the air suffocating. According to EMY’s special bulletin:
‘Very high temperatures are expected across Greece from Sunday (06-07-25) through Wednesday (09-07-25). The temperature rise will start on Saturday in western Greece and Macedonia, spreading nationwide by Sunday. The highest values (over 40°C) will occur from Monday in inland areas, particularly in western, central, and northern regions. Coastal areas will see temperatures 2–4°C lower than inland. Humidity levels will remain low, around 20–30% inland during midday. Minimum temperatures in urban centers will stay high, around 26–28°C at night.’
Specifically:
– Sunday (06-07-25): Highs of 38–40°C in Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus, and western Central Greece; 37–39°C in eastern Central Greece and Peloponnese; 35–36°C in the Ionian Islands.
– Monday (07-07-25): Inland highs of 39–41°C; 36–38°C in Ionian Islands, Eastern Aegean, and Dodecanese.
– Tuesday (08-07-25) & Wednesday (09-07-25): Slight drop in western regions, but inland areas may still hit 41–42°C.