Another Challenging Day Ahead as Heatwave Continues Across Greece

Thursday will be another tough day, with a strong heatwave pushing temperatures above 40°C across much of the country.

The National Meteorological Service (EMY) warns that these very high temperatures will persist. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 39°C and 41°C across mainland Greece, with some areas in Thessaly, eastern Central Greece, and eastern Peloponnese seeing even higher values of 42°C to 43°C.

In Athens, temperatures will reach 41°C to 42°C, while Thessaloniki will experience highs around 39°C to 40°C.

Record Temperatures Yesterday

On Wednesday, some of the highest temperatures recorded included 42.9°C in Sparta, 42.8°C in Thebes, 42.1°C in Orestiada and Farsala, and 41.8°C in Karditsa.

What Meteorologists Expect

Experts Giannis Kallianos and Klearchos Marousakis warn that winds will strengthen on Thursday, worsening the heatwave conditions. Marousakis notes, “The hardest part is still ahead of us.”

Thodoros Kolydas adds that the heatwave is expected to begin easing from Monday, with most regions cooling down except some local parts of the Aegean and eastern Central Greece.

Kallianos predicts that temperatures in Athens will remain between 40°C and 41°C through Sunday, with western Attica reaching up to 42°C. He also warns of a very high fire risk starting Thursday due to the strong winds.

Expected Temperatures in Major Cities Over the Next Days

• Trikala, Karditsa, Larissa, Agrinio: Up to 43°C (locally 44°C possible)
• Argos, Sparta, Meligalas: 42-43°C
• Lamia, Thebes: 41-42°C
• Nafplio, Elefsina: 41-42°C

Meteorologist Klearhos Marousakis explains:
“The extreme heat will push temperatures close to 41°C-43°C, but in some areas, due to Greece’s varied terrain, it could rise above 43°C. Winds expected Thursday will combine with the landscape to further increase temperatures.”

Heatwave to Ease Starting Monday

Thodoros Kolydas notes:
“The heatwave will continue until Saturday, July 26, then gradually retreat from the west starting Sunday, July 27, and speed up on Monday, July 28. Most areas will see relief then, although some parts of the Aegean and eastern Central Greece will remain warm longer. By July 29, temperatures in Athens should drop to around 36-38°C.”

High Fire Risk Warning

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued a very high fire risk alert (category 4) for July 24 for many regions, including:

• Ionian Islands
• Western Greece
• Peloponnese
• Sterea Ellada (except Evritania)
• Attica
• Epirus (Ioannina, Preveza, Thesprotia)
• Thessaly (Magnesia)
• Central Macedonia (Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Serres)
• Eastern Macedonia & Thrace (Evros, Rodopi)
• North Aegean (Lesvos, Chios, Samos)

Civil Protection Recommendations

The Secretariat urges citizens to take precautions to protect themselves from the effects of the extreme heat:

• Stay in cool, shaded areas and use air conditioning or fans when possible.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours.
• Wear light-colored, breathable clothing and use hats and sunglasses.
• Eat light meals rich in fruits and vegetables; avoid heavy, fatty foods.
• Drink plenty of water and natural juices; avoid alcohol.
• Pay special attention to infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

For more detailed advice on protecting yourself during heatwaves, visit civilprotection.gov.gr.

Weather Forecast Summary for Thursday, July 24

• Mainland Greece: Temperatures between 39°C and 41°C, locally up to 43°C in Thessaly and eastern regions.
• Athens: 41-42°C, coastal areas slightly cooler by 2-3°C.
• Thessaloniki: 39-40°C, clear skies.
• Islands: East Aegean and Dodecanese 39-41°C; Ionian Islands and Crete slightly cooler at 37-39°C.
• Winds: Northern winds at 3-5 Beaufort, increasing in some areas up to 6 Beaufort by afternoon.

Minimum nighttime temperatures will remain high, around 28-29°C, especially in urban centers.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on official weather updates in the coming days.