Greece is set for a hotter weekend, with temperatures climbing to 39°C in parts of the mainland while strengthening meltemi winds increase the risk of fast-moving wildfires across the country.
Forecasters say Sunday, July 12, will be the hottest day of the weekend, with the highest temperatures expected across Thessaly, Central Macedonia, western mainland Greece and inland areas of the Peloponnese.
While temperatures will rise significantly, meteorologists are not currently forecasting a prolonged or extreme heatwave. Instead, Greece is expected to experience a typical midsummer warm spell, with the most intense heat affecting inland regions.
According to forecasts from meteo.gr, sunshine will dominate across most of the country on Saturday, although isolated afternoon showers or thunderstorms are possible over mountainous parts of Central Greece and the Peloponnese.
Regional forecast
Attica
Highs of 33–34°C are expected on Saturday, rising to around 35°C on Sunday. Inland suburbs could be one or two degrees warmer.
Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia
Mostly sunny conditions are forecast, with temperatures between 33°C and 36°C, especially across inland districts.
Thessaly
One of the hottest regions of the country, with temperatures reaching 35–36°C on Saturday before climbing to 37–38°C on Sunday.
Western Greece
Coastal areas will see temperatures of 33–35°C, while inland locations could reach 38–39°C.
Epirus
Sunny weather will continue with daytime highs of 33–34°C, while cooler overnight temperatures are expected, particularly in mountainous areas.
Peloponnese
Most areas will record 32–35°C, although inland valleys will be significantly hotter. Localised afternoon showers or thunderstorms remain possible over higher terrain.
Crete
Northern coastal areas will experience 29–32°C, while central and southern parts of the island could reach 36–38°C.
Rhodes and the Dodecanese
Coastal temperatures will range from 31–34°C, with warmer conditions inland.
Cyclades and Aegean Islands
Temperatures will remain more comfortable at 28–32°C, although strong northerly winds will make conditions noticeably breezier.
Meltemi winds to strengthen
The seasonal meltemi winds will intensify across the Aegean over the weekend, reaching Force 5–6 on the Beaufort scale in several areas.
The strongest winds are expected across the central and southern Aegean on Saturday before expanding further on Sunday. Northerly winds may also strengthen over parts of the Ionian Sea.
Elevated wildfire danger
The combination of high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds is expected to significantly increase wildfire danger across many parts of Greece.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid any activities that could ignite fires, including burning vegetation, lighting barbecues in vulnerable areas or using equipment capable of producing sparks near dry grassland.
Outlook for next week
Hot weather is expected to continue into early next week.
- Monday: Temperatures will remain high, with around 34°C in Athens and Thessaloniki, 34–36°C in Thessaly, and up to 38°C across inland western Greece. Isolated afternoon storms remain possible over mountain areas.
- Tuesday: Little change is expected, with mainland temperatures generally between 34°C and 38°C, while the Aegean islands remain cooler thanks to persistent northerly winds.
- Wednesday: Current forecasts suggest temperatures could climb further across western Greece, with some areas approaching 39–40°C, while Attica, Central Macedonia and Thessaly are expected to record 35–37°C.
Beyond the middle of next week, confidence in the forecast decreases, although meteorologists expect typical summer heat to continue with periodic strengthening of northerly winds.
Although this weekend is not expected to bring an extreme nationwide heatwave, the combination of locally high temperatures and strong meltemi winds creates dangerous fire conditions.
The northerly winds may provide some relief for beachgoers, but they can rapidly spread any wildfire, making fire prevention critical over the coming days.