Heatwave conditions are expected to persist across Greece from Monday 20 July and until at least Wednesday, 22, with temperatures continuing to rise, according to forecast data from the National Observatory of Athens.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 40-41 °C (104-106 °F) locally on Monday and rise up to 41-42 °C (106-108 °F), possibly even 43 °C (109 °F) in some areas on Tuesday.
Temperatures will start to drop in Central and Northern Greece on Wednesday, 22 July, although the heatwave will continue in the southern parts of the country.
Based on the available data, a sudden drop in temperatures and a complete change of weather is expected from Thursday, 23 July, accompanied by locally heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Risk Assessment Committee convenes ahead of heatwave
The government’s Risk Assessment Committee met on Sunday in the presence of Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas, to prepare ahead of the expected heatwave.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced that its competent services, in cooperation with all relevant authorities, would remain on heightened alert throughout the heatwave.
It also advised citizens to take the necessary precautions against the heat, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, ensure adequate hydration, and exercise particular caution with activities that could cause fires, avoiding hot works outdoors.
Special care is recommended for vulnerable groups, as well as for people working or carrying out tasks outdoors, who should take all necessary protective measures against the high temperatures.
High temperatures forecast per region during heatwave
In Attica and the Athens metropolitan area the maximum temperatures will reach 38 °C (100 °F) on Monday and Tuesday, while on Wednesday they will fall to 37 °C (99 °F), with a possibility of locally reaching 38-39 °C (100-102 °F).
The heatwave will be felt the most in the central mainland.
In Thessaly, temperatures are expected to reach 39-40 °C (102-104 °F) on Monday, while on Tuesday they will rise to 40-41 °C (104-106 °F).
Maximum temperatures in the rest of Central Greece will reach 38-40 °C (100-104 °F) on Monday, with the city of Amfissa potentially reaching 42 °C (108 °F) locally. On Tuesday, temperatures will rise to 40-41 °C (104-106 °F), while on Wednesday they will drop to 38 °C (100 °F), and locally 39-40 °C (102-104 °F).
In the west of the country, temperatures will reach 39-40 °C (102-104 °F) on Monday, locally up to 41 °C (106 °F), and on Tuesday, the city of Agrinio could reach 41 °C (106 °F), and locally even 42 °C (108 °F), while on Wednesday temperatures will drop to between 37 and 39 °C (99-102 °F).
On the contrary, the heatwave will be slightly milder in the north of the country.
Temperatures in Central Macedonia will reach 38-39 °C (100-102 °F), and locally 40 °C (104 °F), on both Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, they will fall to 34-35 °C (93-95 °F). In Epirus, temperatures will not exceed 39-40 °C (102-104 °F) on both Monday and Tuesday.
A gradual easing of the extreme heat is expected in Northern Greece on Wednesday, and across the entire country on Thursday.
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