A powerful and prolonged heatwave is looming over Greece, with forecasting models pointing to very high, even extreme temperatures from 28 August, possibly lasting into the first days of September, according to Protothema.gr meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias.

Until then, the country will remain gripped by high temperatures, with the mercury touching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, while the hottest spell is expected on 25 and 26 August.

Temperatures up to 40 degrees on Monday

From Monday, 24 August, the temperature will remain exceptionally high for the season, reaching 37 to 38 degrees Celsius on the mainland and 39 to 40 degrees in some areas, while temperatures on the islands will range from 35 to 37 degrees, and up to 38 degrees locally in the east.

Localised rain or showers are expected on the mainland, while isolated storms are likely in the northern mountains.

Tuesday and Wednesday at the peak of the heat

Tuesday and Wednesday, 25 and 26 August, are expected to be the hottest days of the coming period, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in lowland areas and major urban centres.

Sunshine will prevail across most of the country, while weak, localised rain is possible in the mainland mountains during the hottest hours of the day.

Winds will remain relatively light to moderate, reaching Force 4 to 6 on the Beaufort scale. On Wednesday and Thursday, however, winds are expected to strengthen over Crete, locally reaching Force 7.

Winds set to strengthen on Friday

From Friday, winds are expected to strengthen significantly across several sea areas. According to the forecast, winds in the Cyclades, the northeastern Aegean and Crete could reach as much as gale Force 9.

The combination of high temperatures and strong winds has triggered an alert, as the risk of wildfires breaking out and spreading will increase significantly, particularly in areas experiencing heightened dryness.

Strong heatwave from 28 August

According to the latest forecasting model data, the heat is not expected to ease significantly before the end of the month. Instead, there is a strong likelihood of a powerful, multi-day heatwave beginning on 28 August.

The two major forecasting centres, the European and the American, are converging on a scenario of very high to extreme temperatures, with the episode likely to last into the first days of September.

Until then, maximum temperatures will remain noticeably higher than normal for the season, with the mercury locally approaching or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

The exact intensity, peak and, above all, duration of the new heatwave are expected to become clearer over the coming days, as forecasting data continues to be updated.