Temperatures set to rise as meltemi winds ease
Greece is heading toward a gradual rise in temperatures over the coming days as the strong meltemi winds weaken, although current forecasts do not indicate a heatwave, according to meteorologist Anastasia Tyraski.
Temperatures are expected to reach 35-36 degrees Celsius and locally 37 degrees in eastern mainland Greece, with some areas potentially reaching 38 degrees toward the weekend.
Warmth returns gradually
The change will be gradual rather than abrupt, with northerly winds weakening and gradually turning westerly.
Today, generally clear conditions are expected across the country, although localized showers and thunderstorms could develop during the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas of Epirus, western and central Central Greece and the Peloponnese.
In the Aegean, northerly winds will initially reach 5-6 Beaufort, locally reaching 7 in the area between eastern Crete, Kasos and Karpathos. The winds will weaken from midday and gradually turn westerly.
Temperatures reach 37 degrees
On Tuesday, westerly winds will locally strengthen to 6 Beaufort. A weather disturbance affecting mainly the Balkans could bring localized rain and isolated thunderstorms to northern Greece, particularly near the borders, as well as western Greece, mountainous areas and the Ionian Sea.
Temperatures will continue to rise, with eastern mainland areas, particularly Thessaly and eastern Central Greece, potentially reaching 37 degrees.
On Wednesday, winds are expected to weaken significantly, while very localized afternoon showers could develop over mainland areas. Maximum temperatures will reach 35-36 degrees and locally 37.
Up to 38 degrees by weekend
Further warming is expected from Thursday, with temperatures reaching 36-37 degrees and potentially 38 degrees locally by the weekend.
Meltemi winds are also expected to return to the Aegean from Thursday, reaching up to 6 Beaufort, although particularly strong winds are not currently forecast.
The combination of rising temperatures and dry vegetation could increase the risk of wildfires, although conditions are expected to remain milder than during the previous period of strong meltemi winds.
Athens and Thessaloniki outlook
Athens is expected to see mostly sunny conditions today, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees. Winds will weaken significantly, with a sea breeze developing during the day.
Thessaloniki will also remain sunny, with no significant weather phenomena expected and temperatures reaching around 32 degrees.
The main feature of the coming days will therefore be a gradual return to warmer conditions rather than a heatwave, with temperatures rising steadily after the recent cooler spell.
Source:ERT
