Heat returns to Greece: up to 39°C at the weekend and meltemi intensifies

Temperatures in Greece will rise markedly over the weekend of July 11–12: in the interior of the country, the thermometer in some places will approach 38–39°Cand northerly winds will increase in the Aegean Sea.

The hottest day will be Sunday. The highest temperatures are expected in Thessaly, Central Macedonia, western mainland Greece and parts of the Peloponnese interior.

At the same time, weather forecasters are still they don’t talk about a prolonged extreme heat wave. We are talking about a gradual increase in temperature, which will be felt most strongly away from the sea.

According to forecast meteo.grSaturday will be sunny in most areas, but localized showers are possible in the afternoon in the mountains of Central Greece and the Peloponnese.

Where will it be hottest?

• Attica: expected on Saturday 33–34°Con Sunday the temperature will rise to 35°Cand in the interior regions of the region it may be another one or two degrees hotter.
• Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia: mostly clear, about 33–36°C. The highest temperatures are expected in the interior of Central Macedonia.
• Thessaly: one of the main hot spots. Expected on Saturday 35–36°Cand on Sunday in some places until 37–38°C.
• Western Greece: in coastal areas it is predicted about 33–35°Cand far from the sea – to 38°Clocally around 39°C.
• Epirus: sunny, about 33–34°C. At night the temperature will be noticeably lower, especially in mountainous areas.
• Peloponnese: expected in most areas 32–35°C. Inland valleys will be hotter, with some scattered showers or thunderstorms possible in mountainous areas this afternoon.
• Crete: on the northern coast the temperature will be around 29–32°C. In the central and southern regions of the island it will be much hotter, in some places up to 36–38°C.
• Rhodes and Dodecanese: on the coast about 31–34°Ctemperatures may be higher in inland areas.
• Cyclades and other Aegean islands: near 28–32°Chowever the weather will be windy.

Meltemi will intensify

Meltemi, the persistent northerly summer winds, will intensify in the Aegean Sea. Their strength will reach in places 5–6 points on the Beaufort scale.

On Saturday, the strongest winds are expected in the central and southern Aegean Sea. On Sunday, the zone of strong northerly winds will expand, and then the wind may strengthen in the Ionian Sea.

The combination of high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds makes wildfires more likely to spread quickly. Even a small fire under such conditions can get out of control in a short time.

Weather early next week

• The heat will continue on Monday. In Athens it is expected about 34°Cin Thessaloniki – until 34°Cin Thessaly – about 34–36°Cand in the western inland areas – up to 38°C.
• In the mountainous regions of Central Greece and the Peloponnese, possible again in the afternoon. localized showers or brief thunderstorms.
• No significant cooling is expected on Tuesday: Temperatures in most mainland areas will remain within 34–38°C. On the islands of the Aegean Sea, thanks to the north wind, it will be cooler.
• According to preliminary calculations, On Wednesday the heat may increase in the west of the countrywhere locally the temperature can approach 39–40°C. In Attica, Central Macedonia and Thessaly approximately 35–37°C.

After midweek the forecast becomes less stable. For now, we can only talk about the continuation of hot summer weather with slight temperature fluctuations and periodic strengthening of the north wind.

Extreme heat is not forecast yet

Meteorologists do not yet expect a prolonged extreme heat wave. Temperatures will rise, but nights will become noticeably cooler in most mainland areas.

A more significant transfer of hot air masses is possible in the second half of July, but it is too early to predict the exact temperatures and duration of this period.

A reliable detailed forecast is usually limited to the next five to seven days. Therefore, statements about specific weather after July 20-23 should be taken only as a preliminary trend, and not as a ready-made schedule for the heavenly office.

What is important to consider

The main danger in the coming days is related not only to temperature, but also to wind. In nature, it is necessary to completely avoid lighting fires, burning dry grass, using equipment that can cause sparks, and any work near dry vegetation.

During the hottest hours, from 12:00 to 17:00, elderly people, young children and people with chronic diseases are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and drink water regularly.

Editorial comment

The weekend ahead isn’t exactly a national heat wave, but the combination of local temperatures of 38-39°C and strong northerly winds is creating dangerous conditions.

On the coast, meltemi will slightly reduce the feeling of heat, but at the same time sharply increase the fire danger. The wind refreshes vacationers and does not refresh firefighters at all, who then have to explain the consequences of another thrown cigarette butt.

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