Temperatures set to climb as 40C returns this weekend, according to protothema.gr’s meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias.

Temperatures will rise gradually over the coming days, with the mercury rising locally to 40C towards the end of the week. Meanwhile, according to protothema.gr meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias, the meltemi, the seasonal winds that sweep the Aegean each summer, will continue to blow, without significant intensity and with only minor fluctuations.

In more detail, generally clear skies are forecast for today, Wednesday 5 August. Some cloud will build over the mainland during the afternoon, which could bring brief showers to mountainous areas.

Temperatures will reach 37 to 38C on the mainland and 35 to 36C in Crete and the Dodecanese.

Winds will blow from the north and northwest. They will be light in the Ionian, while reaching up to 6 on the Beaufort scale locally in the Aegean.

Sunshine is expected in Attica, the region around Athens, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 35C and northerly winds reaching up to 6 Beaufort locally.

In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, some cloud is expected, with light winds over the Thermaic Gulf and temperatures reaching 35C.

Weather outlook for the coming days

Similar conditions will hold on Thursday and Friday, with plenty of heat and meltemi winds reaching up to 6 Beaufort.

Temperatures will rise again over the weekend, with the mercury touching 40C locally.