Weather Alert: Greece to Experience Extreme Heat in Next 48 Hours - Up to 43°C on Wednesday, Very High Fire Risk in Seven Areas

The heatwave is set to persist across the country, lasting until Friday. Temperatures will peak on Wednesday and Thursday, reaching up to 42°C in some areas.

According to Thodoris Kolidas, director of the National Meteorological Service (NMS), “The next two days will be particularly challenging, with temperatures rising further. Northern and western Greece will see temperatures between 37 and 40 degrees. In Thessaly, eastern Sterea, and eastern Peloponnese, temperatures will reach 41 to 42 degrees, with some areas in eastern Sterea hitting 43 degrees Celsius.”

“In Attica, maximum temperatures will reach 40 to 41 degrees inland and 42 degrees on Thursday, while coastal areas will be 3 to 5 degrees cooler,” Mr. Kolidas told Star.

Due to these extreme conditions, Civil Protection urges citizens, especially vulnerable groups, to exercise caution and avoid travel. Public services will implement teleworking and flexible hours, extending to the private sector as well.

The combination of extreme heat and high fire risk has placed state apparatuses on high alert. The emergency bulletin for worsening weather was updated on Tuesday afternoon.

Hot air masses from northern Africa and the central Mediterranean are moving east, expected to raise temperatures in Greece until Friday. Over the weekend, temperatures will drop by 6 to 8 degrees, returning to seasonal norms, accompanied by strong northerly winds.

On Tuesday, the highest temperatures in Attica were recorded as follows: Pallini – 40.1°C, Phyli/Ano Liosia – 40.1°C, Spata – 39.9°C, Vlyhada – 39.6°C, and Korydallos – 39.6°C. However, in southern coastal parts of Attica (Faliro, Alimos, Agios Kosmas, Sounio), maximum temperatures did not exceed 34°C.

Detailed Weather Forecast for Wednesday by EMY

Expect very high temperatures, especially in inland areas away from the sea breeze. The weather will be generally clear with sparse clouds, and conditions will favor the transport of African dust across the country. Winds will blow from the west at 3 to 4 Beaufort, increasing to 4 to 5 and locally up to 6 Beaufort in the southern seas. Northern Aegean will experience 3 to 4 Beaufort winds. Temperatures will remain very high, with northern continental regions reaching 37 to 39 degrees and central Macedonia hitting 40 degrees Celsius.

Western Sterea and western Peloponnese will see temperatures between 38 and 40 degrees, while Thessaly, eastern Sterea, and eastern Peloponnese will experience 41 to 42 degrees, with some areas in eastern Sterea reaching 43 degrees Celsius. The islands will see temperatures from 35 to 37 degrees, with the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese hitting 38 to 39 degrees, and Crete reaching 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. In Attica, maximum temperatures will range from 40 to 41 degrees Celsius inland, while coastal areas will be 3 to 5 degrees cooler. Minimum temperatures will remain high, around 26 to 29 degrees Celsius.

Regional Forecasts:

Macedonia, Thrace: Generally sunny with sparse clouds. Winds: Variable at 2 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: 24 to 37-39 degrees, up to 40 degrees in central Macedonia.

Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Mainland, Western Peloponnese: Generally sunny with sparse clouds. Winds: West southwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: 25 to 35-37 degrees in the Ionian Islands, up to 38-39 degrees and in places 40 degrees on the mainland.

Eastern Sterea, Evia, Eastern Peloponnese: Generally sunny with sparse clouds. Winds: West at 3 to 5 Beaufort. Temperature: 25 to 41-42 degrees, locally up to 43 degrees Celsius.

Cyclades, Crete: Generally clear. Winds: West at 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: 26 to 35-37 degrees, up to 40-42 degrees in Crete.

Eastern Aegean Islands, Dodecanese: Generally clear. Winds: South southwest at 3 to 4 Beaufort, west northwest at 4 to 5 and locally up to 6 Beaufort in the south. Temperature: 26 to 38-39 degrees Celsius.

Thessaly: Generally clear with scattered showers.

Attica:
Weather: Generally clear with sparse clouds.
Winds: Variable at 3 to 4 Beaufort, westerly in the west at 4 to 5 Beaufort.
Temperature: 26 to 41°C, 3 to 5 degrees lower on the eastern coast.

Thessaloniki:
Weather: Generally clear with sparse clouds.
Winds: Variable at 2 to 4 Beaufort, temporarily southeast up to 4 Beaufort.
Temperature: 25 to 38°C.

Thursday’s Weather:
West, Central, and North: Sparse clouds with possible local rains or showers, mainly in highlands.
Elsewhere: Generally clear.
African Dust: Conditions favor the transport of African dust.
Winds: Variable at 3 to 4 Beaufort, increasing to 4 to 5 Beaufort in the Aegean, southeast to north at 4 to 6 Beaufort.
Temperature: Very high, especially in the south:
Northern mainland: 37 to 39°C
Western Sterea and Peloponnese: 38 to 40°C
Thessaly and eastern regions: 41 to 42°C, locally up to 43°C
Islands: 35 to 42°C, with variations by region
Attica: 40 to 42°C inland, 3 to 5 degrees lower along the coast
Minimum temperatures: 26 to 29°C

Friday’s Weather:
West, Central, and North: Increased cloudiness with local rains or showers, possible storms in the northern mountains, clearing by evening.
Winds:
West: North at 5 to 6 Beaufort, locally 7 Beaufort.
East: Initially west-southwest at 5 to 6 Beaufort, shifting north in the afternoon.
Temperature: Slight decrease in the west, central, and north; very high elsewhere:
Northern mainland: 34 to 36°C
Other mainland areas: 36 to 38°C
Mainland, Thessaly, and Peloponnese: up to 39°C
Islands: 34 to 40°C
Minimum values: 24 to 28°C

Fire Risk Alert:
High fire risk areas: Attica, Fthiotida, Phocis, Larisa, Corinthia, Boeotia, Magnesia.
Preparation: Civil Protection Agency has notified relevant authorities to be on high alert.

Measures in the Private Sector Due to Heat

Heat Response:
Recommendations: Employers should take necessary measures and reduce or stop work during peak heat hours (12:00 – 17:00) to prevent thermal stress.
Penalties: Non-compliance may result in a fine of €2,000 per employee.

Mandatory Work Stoppage:
Affected Areas: Companies in Attica, Eastern Sterea, Eastern Peloponnese, and Thessaly, where extreme temperatures are forecasted from June 10, 2024.
Work Hours: Suspension of work is mandatory from 12:00 to 17:00.

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