The thermometer is expected to hit 44°C again on Saturday in many parts of Greece, with the current heatwave gradually easing from Sunday, according to the latest forecasts.

Maximum temperatures will range from 40–41°C and locally up to 42°C in mainland regions, while western areas could see 43–44°C. In Athens, temperatures will reach 40–41°C, and in Thessaloniki 38–39°C. The Ionian Islands, East Aegean Islands, and Dodecanese will see 38–40°C, and southern Crete 39–41°C.

Record-Breaking Temperatures on Friday

According to data from the National Observatory of Athens, the temperature surpassed 45°C on Friday afternoon. At 15:00, Skala in Messinia recorded a sweltering 45.6°C.

Other regions with the highest recorded temperatures included:

• Oleni, Ilia: 44.3°C
• Lindos: 43.6°C
• Asteri, Laconia: 43.6°C
• Aigies, Gythio: 43.5°C
• Petrokefali, Heraklion: 43.4°C
• Stefania, Laconia: 43.3°C
• Sparta: 43.2°C
• Angelokastro, Aetolia-Acarnania: 43.2°C
• Heliolousto, Kilkis: 42.4°C

Strong Winds and Fire Risk

Saturday’s weather includes moderate to strong winds. Westerly winds will reach up to 5 Beaufort in the west, while in the east and Aegean Sea, northerly winds will range from 3 to 5 Beaufort, locally reaching 6–7 Beaufort.

“The heatwave we’ve been experiencing in recent days will go down as one of the most intense in the past 15 years,” said meteorologist Giannis Kallianos. “However, it will not be unprecedented or the strongest overall.”

Looking ahead, Kallianos stated:
“High temperatures will persist for another 2–3 days. On Monday, the eastern mainland is expected to see 38–39°C, marking the tail end of this heatwave, which began on July 21 and will likely end on July 28 — an 8-day event overall.”

He added that more significant statistics may emerge in the coming days to further illustrate the intensity of this weather episode.

Extreme Fire Danger in Nine Regions

Due to the heat and strong winds, the fire risk remains extremely high (risk category 5) in Attica and eight other regions:

• Attica & Kythira
• Boeotia
• Evia
• Corinthia
• Argolida
• Arcadia
• Messinia
• Laconia

A very high (category 4) or high (category 3) fire danger exists across most other mainland and island regions.

Note: Lykavittos Hill will be closed from midnight due to the elevated fire risk.

Civil Protection Advises Precautionary Measures

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued renewed guidance, urging citizens to take precautions against the dangers of high temperatures.

Key recommendations include:

• Stay in cool, shaded, and ventilated spaces. Use air conditioning or fans where possible.
• Avoid physical exertion outdoors, especially during peak heat.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics. Avoid synthetics.
• Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen when outside.
• Consume light meals rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol.
• Take special care of vulnerable groups, including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

All municipal and regional authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert to respond swiftly to any heat-related emergencies.

Updated Weather Bulletin from the National Weather Service

According to the latest update from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), Saturday (26/07/25) will bring persistently high temperatures, with signs of improvement beginning Sunday (27/07/25) in western Greece and extending to eastern regions by Monday (28/07/25).

Key Points:

• Minimum nighttime temperatures will remain high, particularly in urban centers (28–29°C).
• African dust transport is expected to affect the western parts of the country.

Temperature Forecast (until Sunday 27/07/25):

Saturday (26/07/25):

• Mainland: 40–41°C, locally 42°C; West: 43–44°C
• Athens: 40–41°C
• Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
• Ionian Islands, East Aegean, Dodecanese: 38–40°C
• Southern Crete: 39–41°C

Sunday (27/07/25):

• Western Mainland: 38°C
• Eastern Mainland: 40–41°C
• Athens: 39–40°C
• Thessaloniki: 38–39°C
• East Aegean, Dodecanese: 37–39°C
• Ionian Islands: 35°C
• Crete: 37°C

Regional Forecast Overview for Saturday

Macedonia & Thrace:
Mostly clear with some afternoon cloud cover in mountainous areas. Temperatures up to 42°C in Central Macedonia.
Winds: Variable, 3–4 Beaufort.

Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Greece, Western Peloponnese:
Afternoon clouds are possible in mountainous areas.
Temperatures: Inland areas up to 44°C.
Winds: Variable, 3–5 Beaufort, becoming NW in the Ionian.

Thessaly, Central Greece, Evia, Eastern Peloponnese:
Generally clear.
Temperatures: 40–42°C inland, 36°C in the Sporades.
Winds: North-northeast, 3–6 Beaufort.

Cyclades & Crete:
Clear skies.
Temperatures: 25–35°C, up to 41°C in southern Crete.
Winds: North-northwest, 5–7 Beaufort.

East Aegean & Dodecanese:
Clear skies.
Temperatures: 23–40°C.
Winds: North, 4–6 Beaufort.

Attica:
Clear skies.
Temperatures: 25–41°C; 2–3°C lower in eastern suburbs.
Winds: North-northeast, 4–6 Beaufort, up to 7 in the east.

Thessaloniki:
Clear skies.
Temperatures: 24–39°C.
Winds: Light and variable, turning south-southeast in the afternoon.