Greece is currently facing a strong heatwave, with today and tomorrow expected to be the hottest days. Temperatures will reach up to 42°C in parts of the country, particularly in eastern mainland areas. The heatwave is expected to ease starting Thursday, with a noticeable drop in temperature due to strengthening winds.

According to meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas, Wednesday will be the most difficult day for Attica and eastern Greece. Temperatures could reach 40°C with very low humidity, around 20%. However, on Thursday, winds will increase up to 7 Beaufort, especially in coastal areas, bringing a drop of 6–7°C.

Meteorologist George Tsatrafyllias echoed similar predictions, noting that after peaking today and tomorrow, the heat will start to ease slightly on Wednesday before dropping significantly on Thursday. For example, Larissa is expected to cool from 41°C on Tuesday to 30°C on Thursday. This relief comes just before another expected heatwave around July 13.

The National Meteorological Service (EMY) has issued a special bulletin forecasting extreme temperatures until Wednesday, especially in central mainland Greece. The hottest areas will be inland, where values above 40°C are expected. Coastal regions will be slightly cooler by 2–4°C. Humidity levels will be low, between 20% and 30%, and even nighttime temperatures in urban areas will remain high, between 27°C and 29°C.

Tuesday’s temperatures will slightly rise in the east and Aegean islands, reaching 41–42°C in eastern mainland areas and 37–38°C on the East Aegean islands and the Dodecanese. On Wednesday, temperatures will stay high in the east and Aegean, while western Greece and the Ionian will begin to cool slightly. Winds will gradually strengthen from the west and northwest.

The FLAME team from the National Observatory of Athens has warned of an increased fire risk due to the combination of heat, dry air, and strong winds. These conditions, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, raise the risk of wildfires across parts of the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Thessaly, Central Macedonia, and Evros. On Wednesday, strong northwest winds could push fire risk to extreme levels in the mainland and Ionian Sea. From Thursday, though high temperatures and dry conditions will persist in places, northerly winds will bring some cooling and lower humidity.

On Monday, July 7, many areas already experienced intense heat, with over 85 weather stations recording temperatures above 37°C. Eastern regions reached as high as 40°C.

Due to the extreme heat, the government has placed multiple services on high alert. This includes the Fire Brigade, Ministries of Health and Labour, Armed Forces, Civil Protection, Coast Guard, and other agencies. All are ready to respond to emergencies, including wildfires and heat-related health issues.

The Civil Protection Authority has also issued safety guidelines for the public. People are advised to stay in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, wear light clothing, drink water frequently, and eat light meals. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and people with chronic illnesses are urged to be especially cautious.

Workplace safety is also a concern. The Ministry of Labour has announced emergency measures for outdoor workers. In high-risk regions, work outdoors between 12:00 and 17:00 on Monday was suspended. This includes construction workers, delivery drivers, and others exposed to direct sun. Employers must provide remote work options where possible and may rearrange work schedules to avoid peak heat hours. Non-compliance can result in a fine of €2,000 per employee.

Today’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies. In Attica, temperatures will reach 39°C, while Thessaloniki will see up to 38°C. Winds will range from 3 to 6 Beaufort, depending on location.

Wednesday’s weather will remain hot in the east, with possible showers in Macedonia and Thrace. Winds will strengthen further, reaching 7 Beaufort in places. While the west will cool slightly, the eastern regions will still experience 40–42°C.

By Thursday, temperatures will drop more widely. Winds from the north will blow up to 7 Beaufort. Only the southeastern parts of the country will remain hot.

Friday and Saturday will bring mostly clear weather, with isolated showers or thunderstorms in mountain areas. Temperatures will remain steady, and the strong winds will continue.

Authorities urge the public to stay informed through official channels and follow all guidelines to stay safe during this period of extreme weather.