Temperatures are expected to soar to 44°C on Friday, marking the peak of the heatwave currently affecting much of Greece. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) warns that the extreme heat will persist through the weekend, significantly increasing the risk of heat-related health issues.

The combination of high temperatures and the prolonged duration of the heatwave is raising concerns about heat stress across most parts of the country.

Forecast Highlights

• Mainland Greece: Temperatures will reach 40–42°C, with western regions hitting 43–44°C.
• Athens: 41–42°C
• Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
• East Aegean & Dodecanese islands: 38–40°C
• Ionian Islands & Southern Crete: 39–41°C

Civil Protection Advisories

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued renewed guidance urging citizens to take precautions against the intense heat. Local authorities, regional governments, and emergency services have been placed on high alert.

Special attention is advised for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic illnesses, due to increased risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Safety Recommendations:

• Stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned spaces.
• Avoid outdoor physical activity during the hottest hours of the day.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing; avoid synthetic fabrics.
• Wear hats and sunglasses when outdoors.
• Eat light meals, focusing on fruits and vegetables, and avoid heavy or fatty foods.
• Stay well hydrated with water and natural juices; avoid alcohol.

Updated Weather Outlook

Minimum Temperatures:

Nighttime temperatures will remain high, especially in urban areas, where lows are expected around 28–29°C.

Wind Conditions:

From Friday afternoon into Saturday, strong northerly winds (6–7 Beaufort) are expected over the eastern and Aegean regions.

Day-by-Day Heat Forecast:

• Thursday (July 24):
  • Mainland: 39–41°C; up to 42–43°C in Thessaly, Eastern Sterea, and Eastern Peloponnese
  • Athens: 41–42°C | Thessaloniki: 39–40°C
  • Islands (East Aegean/Dodecanese): 39–41°C
  • Ionian & Crete: 37–39°C
• Friday (July 25):
  • Mainland: 40–42°C; up to 43–44°C in the west
  • Athens: 41–42°C | Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
  • Islands (East Aegean/Dodecanese): 38–40°C
  • Ionian & Southern Crete: 39–41°C
• Saturday (July 26):
  • Mainland: 40–42°C; 43–44°C in the west
  • Athens: 41–42°C | Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
  • Islands (East Aegean/Dodecanese): 38–40°C
  • Ionian & Southern Crete: 38–40°C
• Sunday (July 27):
  • Mainland: 38–40°C; up to 41°C in the east
  • Athens: 40–41°C | Thessaloniki: 37–38°C
  • Islands (East Aegean/Dodecanese): 36–38°C
  • Ionian & Crete: 35–37°C

Regional Forecast Summary

Attica (Athens)

• Weather: Clear skies
• Winds: Northerly 4–6 Beaufort
• Temperature: 25–42°C (slightly cooler in eastern suburbs)

Thessaloniki

• Weather: Clear
• Winds: Light and variable; southern breeze in the afternoon
• Temperature: 25–39°C

Macedonia & Thrace

• Weather: Mostly clear, with potential for light mountain showers in Eastern Macedonia
• Winds: Variable 3–4 Beaufort; up to 5 in coastal areas
• Temperature: 21–41°C (slightly cooler in Western Macedonia)

Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Sterea, Western Peloponnese

• Weather: Clear
• Winds: Northwest 3–5 Beaufort; up to 6 in the Ionian Sea
• Temperature: 23–44°C (cooler in the interior of Epirus)

Thessaly, Eastern Sterea, Euboea, Eastern Peloponnese

• Weather: Clear
• Winds: Northerly 3–4 Beaufort; up to 6 at sea
• Temperature: 23–42°C (Sporades: up to 36°C)

Cyclades & Crete

• Weather: Clear
• Winds: North-northwest 5–6 Beaufort; up to 7 locally
• Temperature: 25–37°C (Southern Crete: up to 41°C)

Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese

• Weather: Clear
• Winds: Northerly 4–6 Beaufort
• Temperature: 23–40°C