A dangerous combination of high temperatures, dry air, and strong winds will affect large parts of Greece today, creating extreme fire risk across much of the mainland and the Ionian Sea. According to meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias, “foehn winds” — hot, dry winds descending from mountains — will fuel this risk, especially in regions east of Pindos and Taygetos. Areas most at risk include the eastern Peloponnese, Thessaly, Central Greece, and Attica.

These foehn winds are warm and dry. They rapidly dry vegetation, raise temperatures, lower humidity, and strengthen the spread and intensity of fires. Today, temperatures are expected to reach 40–41°C in parts of Central Macedonia, Evros, Thessaly, Fthiotida, Boeotia, Evia, Attica, and eastern Peloponnese.

From Thursday, July 10, temperatures will drop significantly (by 8–10°C), and northerly winds will strengthen, offering temporary relief. However, another heat wave is likely from Sunday, July 13.

Forecasts by meteo.gr show that nighttime temperatures will remain high, causing increased heat stress, especially in urban areas. The HEAT-ALARM system warns of very high stress levels today in Central and Eastern Macedonia, Eastern Thessaly, Eastern Sterea, Eastern Peloponnese, and Evia. Prolonged heat without nighttime cooling can seriously affect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and people with chronic illnesses. Authorities recommend frequent cool showers, hydration, and avoiding physical exertion.

The National Weather Service has issued an emergency update. High temperatures will persist in the east today, with cooler weather arriving tomorrow. On Wednesday, maximum temperatures will reach up to 41°C in eastern mainland Greece, while Aegean islands, Dodecanese, and Crete will see 37–39°C. Humidity will be very low (20–30%), and in cities, overnight lows will remain around 27–29°C, offering little relief.

Strong westerly and northwesterly winds will blow this afternoon in mainland Greece, the Ionian, and the Aegean. Northeastern winds will intensify overnight in Thrace, eastern Macedonia, and the northeastern Aegean.

On Tuesday, July 8, temperatures exceeded 41°C in many parts of eastern Greece. Data from the National Observatory of Athens shows over 180 weather stations recorded values above 37°C.

Today, sunshine will dominate, with some cloudiness in the northwest and South Aegean. Temperatures will range from 33°C in Western Macedonia to 41°C in parts of Thessaly, Sterea, and Peloponnese. Winds will be west-northwest at 3 to 6 Beaufort, strengthening during the afternoon. In Attica, it will be sunny with highs around 38–39°C. In Thessaloniki, temperatures will reach 38°C, with strengthening winds in the evening.

On Thursday, some clouds and possible rain are expected in eastern Macedonia and Thrace, while the rest of the country remains clear. Northerly winds will increase to 6–7 Beaufort in the Aegean. Temperatures will drop, reaching 31–35°C in the mainland and 28–33°C in the islands, slightly higher in Crete and the Dodecanese.

Friday will be mostly clear with some clouds and localized storms in northern mountain areas. Temperatures will remain stable, and winds will blow from the north at 3–6 Beaufort. The weekend will follow a similar pattern — clear skies, occasional mountain showers, and northerly winds. On Sunday, temperatures will rise again, and winds in the Aegean may reach 7 Beaufort.

Due to the high fire danger, Greece’s civil protection system is on high alert. The Fire Brigade, Health and Labour Ministries, Police, Coast Guard, Power Grid Operators, Civil Protection services, and the Armed Forces are all on standby, with patrols and emergency equipment ready to respond.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection urges all citizens to take precautions during the heat. Stay in cool places, use fans or air conditioning, avoid strenuous activity, and drink water regularly. Vulnerable groups should be especially careful. Wear light clothing, avoid sun exposure, and eat light meals. More information is available at civilprotection.gov.gr and through government guidance documents on worker heat stress and public health.