Heatwave to grip Greece for two weeks as cities brace for soaring temperatures

Greece is set to enter a prolonged period of intense heat over the next two weeks, with temperatures expected to surge and major urban centers facing increasingly oppressive conditions.

According to Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) director Theodoros Kolydas, the heatwave is expected to peak between the end of June and the first days of July before gradually easing later in the period.

In a post on social media, Kolydas said the coming fortnight will be characterized by tropical conditions, with Athens, Thessaloniki and Larissa expected to experience the highest temperatures. The combination of dense urban development and extreme heat is likely to intensify the urban heat island effect, making conditions particularly uncomfortable in Greece’s largest cities.

Forecast models indicate that temperatures will begin to decline slowly after the first days of July, although no significant change in the overall weather pattern is expected.

Monday forecast

Monday will be mostly sunny across the country, with only brief cloud development during the afternoon over northern mainland areas and the mountains of Crete.

Northerly winds will blow at 3 to 5 Beaufort, reaching 6 to 7 Beaufort locally across the Aegean Sea.

Temperatures will rise slightly, reaching:

• 33–35°C across the Ionian Islands and the eastern Aegean islands.
• 35–36°C across most mainland regions, with 37°C possible in western Greece.
• 30–32°C in the Cyclades and Crete.

Regional outlook

Macedonia and Thrace will remain mostly sunny, with highs reaching 36°C, while western Macedonia will be several degrees cooler.

Western Greece, including Epirus, western Central Greece and the western Peloponnese, will see temperatures climbing to 36–37°C, with isolated afternoon cloud over mountainous areas.

Thessaly, eastern Central Greece, Evia and the eastern Peloponnese will remain sunny, with maximum temperatures around 36°C.

The Cyclades and Crete will enjoy clear skies, although temperatures will remain lower, generally between 31°C and 32°C.

The eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese will also experience sunny conditions, with highs reaching 34°C.

In Attica, temperatures are forecast to range from 24°C to 35°C, although eastern districts will be two to three degrees cooler due to stronger northeasterly winds.

Thessaloniki will remain mostly sunny with afternoon temperatures reaching 35°C.

Outlook for the rest of the week

Tuesday will remain largely sunny, although isolated showers and thunderstorms may develop over mountainous mainland areas during the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to remain steady.

Wednesday will bring similar conditions, with sunshine dominating and only localized afternoon showers over higher elevations. No significant change in temperatures is forecast.

Thursday will remain mostly clear, with isolated afternoon showers over mountainous regions. Temperatures are expected to edge slightly higher in eastern Greece.

Friday will continue warm and generally sunny, although scattered afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms may develop over central and northern mountainous areas. Temperatures are forecast to ease slightly toward the end of the week.