Greece braces for temperatures up to 39C
Very high temperatures will continue across Greece over the coming days, with the mercury expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius in some areas, according to ERTnews meteorologist G. Emmanouil.
The heat will be accompanied by mainly sunny conditions, while localized showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon, particularly in mountainous parts of mainland Greece.
Monday forecast
Monday will be mostly clear, with temporary cloud cover developing over mainland areas during the afternoon. Local showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible in mountainous regions.
Winds will blow from northern to northwestern directions at 5 Beaufort, reaching 6 Beaufort in the Aegean and locally 7 Beaufort.
Temperatures will remain high, reaching 36C to 38C in many areas and locally 39C across mainland Greece.
Attica reaches 38C
Attica will see mostly sunny skies, with some temporary afternoon cloud cover.
Northern winds will reach 4 to 5 Beaufort and 6 Beaufort in eastern areas. Temperatures will range from 27C to 37C, with local highs of 38C.
Thessaloniki reaches 35C
Thessaloniki will remain generally clear, with temporary cloud cover developing during the afternoon.
Local showers or isolated thunderstorms are possible in surrounding mountainous areas. Winds will be variable at 3 to 4 Beaufort, while temperatures will range from 25C to 35C.
Similar conditions expected Tuesday
Weather conditions on Tuesday are expected to remain broadly similar, with sunshine prevailing across most of the country.
Localized showers and isolated thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon in mountainous areas of the mainland.
Winds will remain predominantly northerly, reaching 6 Beaufort and locally 7 Beaufort in the Aegean.
Temperatures are not expected to change significantly and will remain unusually high for the season, with local highs again approaching 39C.
Red code issued for 12 Greek regions amid high fire risk
Greece has placed Attica and 11 regional units under “Red Code” emergency mobilization for Monday, Aug. 24, amid forecasts of a very high risk of wildfires.
The measure covers areas where the daily Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed the risk at category four, the second-highest level.
Attica and central Greece on alert
The Red Code applies to the Attica region, including the island of Kythira.
In Central Greece, the measure covers the regional units of Phthiotida, Boeotia and Evia, including the island of Skyros.
Peloponnese and Aegean islands included
In the Peloponnese, Corinthia, Argolis and Laconia have been placed under the same level of mobilization.
The Cyclades regional unit in the South Aegean is also included.
In the North Aegean, the measure covers Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria.
National mechanism fully mobilized
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said the Red Code status places the national emergency mechanism on full mobilization.
Authorities will deploy the personnel, equipment and resources required to prepare for the anticipated threat, respond to emergencies and manage the consequences of a major wildfire.
Short-term recovery, assistance and support measures will also be activated to limit the impact of any disaster.
Local authorities ordered to coordinate
Municipalities and regional authorities in the affected areas have been instructed to immediately convene their local and regional civil protection coordination bodies.
The meetings will focus on preparedness measures and the coordination of emergency responses to potential forest fires.
Authorities are urging increased vigilance as high temperatures and strong winds continue to create conditions favorable for the rapid spread of wildfires.
