The heatwave made its “debut” on Monday, with temperatures reaching 41.8°C in Karditsa. However, weather conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days.

Giannis Kallianos predicts temperatures will range from 37°C to 44°C through Sunday, July 27, with local highs of 43–44°C in mainland areas. In major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, temperatures are expected to reach 42°C.

Nikoleta Ziakopoulou notes that the felt temperature, due to the hot wind (Livas), will hit 43°C in Thessaly on Tuesday, while at night, the temperature won’t drop below 30°C. The situation is expected to intensify on Thursday, with central Athens facing temperatures around 42°C. Even the nighttime hours will be difficult, as the heatwave is forecast to continue into the weekend, according to meteorologists.

Kallianos sees 44°C

Giannis Kallianos forecasts that the heatwave will last until Sunday, July 27, with temperatures ranging from 37–41°C on the islands and 42–44°C on the mainland. He also predicts that midnight temperatures in big cities will be between 33–35°C.

The meteorologist also published a map showing the week’s maximum temperatures. Indicatively, Attica and Thessaloniki will see 42°C, while Thessaly, Epirus, and western and central mainland Greece may reach 44°C. In Attica, local temperatures could even reach 43°C.

Tuesday with 34°C – The role of Livas and the Maistros

A strong, prolonged heatwave—but not unprecedented for our region—is forecast by Nikoleta Ziakopoulou, who highlights that wind patterns will be the daily temperature regulator.

On Tuesday, July 22, thermometers will register 40–42°C in many parts of the country, but the Livas wind will push temperatures to 43°C in Thessaly. “There is one bit of relief: the felt temperature will be 43°C and not higher, because humidity will be relatively low. This is important for heat stress in the area,” the meteorologist said.

On Wednesday, July 23, high temperatures will persist, with 40–43°C in eastern mainland areas. However, the northwesterly Maistros wind will slightly lower temperatures in the west while increasing wildfire risk.

Midnight with 30°C

Meteorologist Tasos Arniakos presented the weather outlook on ANT1’s evening news, tracking Tuesday’s heatwave progression:

12:00 – Karditsa: 40°C, Serres: 39°C
14:00 – Lamia: 41°C, Chalkida: 40°C
16:00 – Larisa: 43°C, Trikala: 42°C

However, nighttime conditions will be particularly difficult, with temperatures remaining at 30°C at midnight. Arniakos forecasts for midnight Wednesday:

Perama: 30°C
Patissia: 28°C
Moschato: 28°C
Kalamaria: 26°C

Peak on Thursday and Athens becomes a “furnace”

According to Nikoleta Ziakopoulou, the heatwave will peak on Thursday, with central Athens reaching at least 42°C. “A very difficult night will follow, with over 30°C – that’s the dangerous part in terms of heat stress,” she said.

Conditions will remain tough on Friday and Saturday, with high temperatures of 40–43°C and winds reaching 6–7 Beaufort, according to the meteorologist.

Emergency bulletin from EMY – Possible end to the heatwave on Sunday

According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), high temperatures will persist all week. The highest values (over 41°C) are expected from Tuesday onward in the inland regions of mainland Greece.

In coastal mainland areas, maximum temperatures will be 2–4°C lower than inland values.

Minimum nighttime temperatures in urban centers from Wednesday onward will remain high, ranging between 27–29°C.

Details:

Tuesday (22-07-25) and Wednesday (23-07-25):
Temperatures will rise further. Maximums will reach:
a) Mainland Greece: 39–41°C, locally 42°C in Central Macedonia, Eastern Sterea, and Eastern Peloponnese, and up to 43°C in Thessaly. In Athens and Thessaloniki: 39–40°C.
b) Eastern Aegean Islands and Dodecanese: 37–39°C, locally 40°C on Wednesday.
c) Ionian Islands: 36–38°C.

Thursday (24-07-25):
Temperatures will remain high. Maximums are estimated to reach:
a) Mainland: 39–41°C, locally 42–43°C in the east. Athens: 40–41°C; Thessaloniki: 39°C.
b) Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese: 38–40°C.
c) Ionian Islands: 37–39°C.

See photos from the 1st day of the heatwave in Athens: