Weather & Fire Risk Update

Winds are expected to gradually weaken today before strengthening again from Friday afternoon, when local gusts in the northern Aegean could reach 7 to 8 Beaufort. Strong winds are expected to persist into Saturday, according to meteorologist Thodoros Kolydas.

Today, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace face a very high to extreme fire risk due to the combination of hot, dry, and windy conditions, according to the Meteorological Team of the METEO Unit at the National Observatory of Athens. A gradual easing of fire danger is forecast for much of the country from Sunday, August 17.

For Thursday, August 14, 2025, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection warns of very high fire risk (Category 4) in:

• Attica
• Eastern Central Greece (Fthiotida, Boeotia, Evia including Skyros)
• Northeast Peloponnese (Corinthia, Argolida)
• Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Thassos, Xanthi, Rodopi, Evros including Samothrace)
• North Aegean (Lemnos)

Authorities have activated the Civil Protection plan, which includes a preventive ban on vehicle traffic and visitor access to national parks, forests, and other vulnerable areas. Citizens are urged to avoid any outdoor activities that could spark a fire—such as burning dry vegetation, using welding tools, or operating machinery that produces sparks. Lighting barbecues, smoking out bees, and discarding lit cigarettes are also prohibited. Anyone who spots a fire should call the Fire Service at 199 immediately.

Recent Weather Data
On Wednesday, August 13, maximum temperatures dropped slightly, with the highest recorded in Olenia, Achaia at 39.6 °C. Out of 544 active weather stations, 100 registered over 35 °C and 35 stations recorded above 37 °C. The average maximum temperature (31.8 °C) was 1.3 °C lower than Tuesday’s. Strong northerly winds persisted, with the highest gust—118 km/h—recorded at Paximada Karystos.

Forecast

• Thursday, August 14: Increasing cloud cover in the morning, mainly over the mainland, Ionian, North Aegean, Evia, and Crete, with isolated showers possible in mountainous areas. Temperatures: 18–37 °C depending on region. Winds: North Aegean 4–6 Beaufort, easing in the afternoon; Central Aegean 3–5 Beaufort; South Aegean shifting from northwest to west-northwest at 2–4 Beaufort; Ionian variable 2–4 Beaufort.
• Friday, August 15 (Theotokos): Scattered clouds in the north, eastern mainland, and Evia, with a chance of light morning showers in Evia. Winds: North 3–6 Beaufort, increasing to 7–8 Beaufort in the NE Aegean by afternoon. Slight temperature drop.
• Saturday, August 16: Mostly clear, with possible afternoon showers in the NW mountains. Winds: North 3–7 Beaufort, locally up to 8 in the central and northern Aegean, Evia, and eastern Attica.
• Sunday, August 17: Generally clear with occasional clouds in the northwest, where local rain is possible. Winds: North 3–7 Beaufort. Temperatures steady.