Greece braces for summer’s strongest heatwave
Greece is heading into what could be the strongest heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to climb steadily over the coming days and reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius locally over the weekend.
The heat is forecast to persist for several days, with temperatures potentially remaining elevated for a week or longer.
The warming trend is currently accompanied by very light winds in many areas, creating conditions favorable for a striking weather phenomenon: advection sea fog.
The unusual phenomenon has produced dramatic scenes across several Greek islands in recent days.
It develops when humid air moves over relatively warm seawater under conditions of weak winds. Forecasters expect the sea fog to continue for another one to two days.
Conditions are expected to become less favorable from Friday as northerly winds strengthen in the Aegean, locally reaching 6 Beaufort.
Temperatures reach 38C
Temperatures are expected to reach 36-37C in eastern mainland Greece on Thursday, with local highs of 38C in western parts of the country.
Higher temperatures are forecast in areas including Agrinio, Messolonghi, Arta, Kalamata and Pyrgos.
Scattered showers may develop over mountainous areas of central and northern Greece, but they are expected to remain limited in intensity and duration.
Weekend heat peaks
Temperatures will rise further on Friday, reaching around 38C in mainland areas.
The heat will intensify over the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach 38-39C and locally 40C.
Northerly winds in the Aegean will remain strong at around 6 Beaufort, while isolated afternoon showers may develop over mainland mountain areas.
Athens and Thessaloniki
In Athens, temperatures are forecast to reach 36C on Thursday under mostly sunny skies and light winds. Winds in eastern parts of Attica could reach 5 Beaufort.
Temperatures are expected to rise to 36-37C on Friday and reach around 38C over the weekend.
Thessaloniki will see temperatures around 34C on Thursday, with sunshine and light winds throughout the day.
In northern Greece, Kilkis and Serres are expected to record some of the highest temperatures, reaching 37C on Thursday and 38-39C over the following days.
Forecasters expect the heat to remain for several days, potentially lasting a week or more.
