Strong northerly winds lower temperatures as fire risk rises
Strong northerly winds and a noticeable drop in temperatures are expected across Greece on Saturday, with winds reaching locally 8 beaufort in the southeastern Aegean. At the same time, the risk of wildfires remains extreme in several areas, with authorities urging increased caution over the next 36 hours.
The weather will be generally clear, with temporary cloud cover in northern areas and parts of the mainland. Local rain and thunderstorms are expected mainly in western and central Macedonia, Epirus and possibly western Central Greece and Thessaly, particularly in the afternoon.
Strong winds hit the Aegean
Winds in western Greece will blow from southerly directions at 4 to 5 beaufort, while northerly winds of 5 to 7 beaufort will prevail in the east.
In the southeastern Aegean, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, winds will locally reach 8 beaufort.
In Attica, mostly clear skies are forecast, with northeastern winds of 4 to 5 beaufort and locally up to 6 beaufort in eastern areas. Temperatures will range from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius.
Thessaloniki is expected to see temporary cloud cover and thunderstorms from late afternoon, potentially continuing into the evening. Temperatures will reach 33 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures reach 38 degrees
Temperatures will temporarily fall, particularly in eastern Greece.
Temperatures in the Aegean islands will reach 30 to 31 degrees, while eastern areas and southern Crete will see highs of 33 to 34 degrees.
Temperatures in the Ionian islands and mainland Greece will reach 35 to 37 degrees, with locally 38 degrees expected in western mainland areas.
In Macedonia and Thrace, temperatures will range from 20 to 34 or 35 degrees, while minimum temperatures in western Macedonia will be lower.
Strong winds combined with persistently high temperatures are creating highly dangerous conditions for the outbreak and rapid spread of wildfires.
Crete and the Dodecanese are at the highest level of fire danger, while Attica, Evia, parts of Argolida and Laconia, and much of the Aegean are also facing elevated risks.
In southern Crete, wind gusts have locally reached 95 kilometers per hour, while difficult conditions are expected to persist for the next 36 hours.
Conditions improve from Sunday
Winds are expected to gradually weaken from Sunday. In the Aegean, they will generally ease to 5 to 6 beaufort, while reaching temporarily 7 beaufort in southeastern areas.
Temperatures will rise slightly in eastern Greece, while local rain and isolated thunderstorms are expected mainly in western mountainous areas.
A further weakening of the winds is forecast for Monday, when they will fall to around 6 beaufort. Temperatures will remain relatively high, but no widespread heatwave conditions are expected.
Source:ERT
