Greece faces strong Aegean winds and rising fire risk
Strong northerly winds across the Aegean are increasing the risk of wildfires in Greece, while temperatures are expected to rise again to around 38°C from Wednesday, according to weather forecasts.
After temperatures locally reached 39°C in Thessaly on Sunday, cooler conditions are expected in eastern areas due to strengthening winds. However, forecasters warn that the combination of heat, dry conditions and strong winds will create dangerous fire weather conditions across much of the country.
Meltemi winds intensify in Aegean
Northern winds, known as meltemi, are strengthening in the Aegean, reaching 6 Beaufort and locally up to 7 Beaufort in the southeastern parts of the sea.
Winds are also expected to intensify in the northern Ionian Sea, where they could locally reach 6 to 7 Beaufort.
On Tuesday, winds are forecast to peak, with gusts in the southern Cretan Sea exceeding 100 kilometers per hour in some areas. Authorities are urging caution, particularly in regions vulnerable to wildfires.
Heat returns from Wednesday
Temperatures will remain slightly lower on Monday and Tuesday, with maximum values generally between 33°C and 36°C and locally reaching 37°C.
From Wednesday, temperatures will rise again, reaching 37°C to 38°C in inland areas of Macedonia, Thessaly, western Central Greece and eastern Peloponnese.
The hot weather, combined with persistent strong winds in the Aegean, is expected to maintain very high fire danger levels.
On Thursday, increased atmospheric instability will bring showers and isolated thunderstorms mainly to mountainous and northern areas, especially along the Pindus mountain range.
Temperatures will fall slightly in northern Greece but will remain high in central mainland regions, where they could again approach 38°C.
Very high fire risk in Thessaloniki and Kilkis
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed Thessaloniki and Kilkis in Category 4, indicating a very high risk of wildfires.
A large number of regions have been placed in Category 3, representing high fire danger, including:
Attica, Boeotia, İskeçe (Xanthi), Rodopi, Meriç (Evros), Achaia, Ilia, Corinthia, Argolis, Laconia, Larissa, Magnesia, Fthiotida, Cyclades, Crete, Ionian Islands, Western Greece, southern Evia and Lesbos.
Authorities call for caution
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection urged citizens to avoid activities that could trigger fires, including the use of machinery producing sparks, outdoor burning, smoking near dry vegetation and the disposal of lit cigarettes.
Authorities reminded the public that burning fields and agricultural waste remains prohibited during the fire prevention period.
Fire services, regional authorities and municipalities in high-risk areas remain on heightened alert and have urged residents to immediately report any signs of smoke or fire by calling emergency services at 199 or following official 112 alerts.
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