Greece enters the first day of a prolonged and intense heatwave expected to last all week, according to the special bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) on Monday, July 21.

Temperatures today are forecast to reach 38–40°C across the mainland, with some areas potentially exceeding these levels.

This marks only the beginning. From Wednesday onwards and especially toward the weekend, temperatures will climb even higher, possibly reaching 43°C or more in parts of the country.

Nighttime conditions will also remain stifling, with minimum temperatures close to 30°C, making heat discomfort a 24-hour concern.

Peak and Duration of the Heatwave

EMY estimates the heatwave could persist until Saturday, July 26, depending on atmospheric conditions.

According to meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis, the “ceiling” for this extreme weather event is projected at 41–43°C, particularly in inland areas far from the sea. Winds in the Aegean will reach 6 to 7 Beaufort, increasing the risk of wildfires due to drier air.

He stresses that high minimum temperatures—especially in urban centers where the mercury may stay above 30–32°C overnight—will be a significant issue. Rural regions are expected to fare better due to more efficient nighttime cooling.

Forecast by Region: Heatwave to Grip the Entire Country

Meteorologist Yiannis Kallianos has provided detailed forecasts for several key urban and regional centers. The highlights include:

Thessaly

• Larissa, Karditsa, Trikala: 44–45°C
• Volos: 40°C

Central Greece

• Lamia, Thebes, Livadia, Elefsina: 43–44°C
• Athens (center): 42–43°C

Peloponnese

• Sparta, Messara, Nafplio: 43–44°C
• Patras, Tripoli, Kalamata: 40–41°C

Macedonia

• Serres, Kilkis, Giannitsa: 41–42°C
• Thessaloniki: 40°C

Other Major Areas

• Chalkida: 42°C
• Samos, Lesvos, Chios: 39–41°C
• Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia: 38–40°C
• Rhodes (inland): 42–43°C

Larissa is expected to record some of the highest values nationally at 45°C.

“The Warm Breath of the East” – A Non-African Heatwave

Meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas notes that this heatwave originates not from North Africa, as is typical for Greek summers, but from the Middle East, via strong upper-level flows.

This easterly pattern, sometimes called “The Warm Breath of the East” in journalistic terms, is associated with dry, trapped heat and persistent high nighttime temperatures due to limited cooling.

Kolydas emphasizes that this is not a Saharan-type heatwave, explaining the absence of African dust and the different thermal characteristics.

Emergency Labour Measures Announced

To protect workers from extreme heat stress, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has introduced emergency measures, effective Monday, July 21, in the hardest-hit regions.

Key Measures Include:

A. Protection Measures for Workers

• Employers must implement technical and organizational safety protocols in line with circular No. 34666/03.06.2024 (“Prevention of Heat Stress”).

B. Mandatory Work Suspension

• Outdoor manual labor must be suspended from 12:00 to 17:00 in specific areas experiencing extreme heat and discomfort levels.
  Affected regions include:
  • Evros (Soufli), Serres, Larissa, Boeotia (Aliartos), Halkidiki (Polygyros), Imathia (Veroia)
  • Trikala, Fthiotida, Aetolia-Acarnania
  • Ionian Islands, Eastern Rhodes
  • Coastal areas of Corinth, Argolida, Arcadia, Laconia, Messinia

This applies to all workers, including delivery personnel on two-wheelers, scooters, and similar vehicles.

Delivery services may continue using cars or public/private-use vehicles (excluding two-wheelers), and takeaway orders from physical stores remain allowed.

C. Remote Work for High-Risk Employees

• Employers should offer remote work to high-risk employees where feasible, especially in affected areas.

D. Flexible Work Schedules

• Employers are allowed to adjust employee working hours without prior declaration in the ERGANI system, to help avoid peak heat exposure.

Violations of these rules may result in fines of €2,000 per employee, enforced by the Labour Inspectorate.

EMY: National Forecast Overview

According to the EMY, from Monday through Saturday, Greece will experience widespread high temperatures, particularly inland:

• Monday, July 21:
  Mainland: 38–40°C (up to 41°C in Thessaly and Central Macedonia)
  Ionian Islands, Dodecanese: 35–36°C
  Athens and Thessaloniki: 38°C
• Tuesday, July 22:
  Mainland: 39–41°C, up to 43°C in Thessaly
  Aegean islands: 37–39°C
  Athens/Thessaloniki: 39–40°C
• Wednesday, July 23:
  Mainland: 40–43°C
  Athens: 40°C
  Thessaloniki: 39°C
  Islands: 38–40°C

Minimum temperatures across urban centers will not drop below 26–28°C, worsening discomfort levels.

Public Caution Advised

Citizens are urged to:

• Stay indoors during peak hours (12:00–17:00)
• Remain hydrated
• Check on vulnerable groups (elderly, children)
• Avoid strenuous physical activity

The Civil Protection authorities and EMY will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.