Mini heatwave set to hit Greece as temperatures climb to 40°C

Temperatures are expected to rise sharply across Greece over the coming days, with the mercury forecast to reach 40°C for the first time this year.

According to meteorologist and former director of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service Theodoros Kolydas, the heatwave will peak on Sunday, July 19, and Monday, July 20.

Monday is expected to be the most difficult day, with temperatures likely to reach or even exceed 40°C in several parts of the country.

The spell of extreme heat is expected to be relatively short-lived. Temperatures are forecast to begin falling gradually from Tuesday, July 21, with a more noticeable drop on Wednesday, July 22. Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in several regions during the same period.

Where temperatures could exceed 40°C

Kolydas said the weather outlook for the next ten days is divided into two main phases.

During the first phase, the heat will persist and intensify, with the highest temperatures expected through the beginning of next week.

Mainland areas, particularly Thessaly, Fthiotida and parts of eastern and southern Greece, could see maximum temperatures approach or locally exceed 39–40°C.

Lamia and Larissa are showing the strongest heat signals, while very high temperatures are also expected in Athens, Patras and Heraklion.

From Tuesday and particularly between July 22 and July 24, the weather is expected to change gradually from the north.

Temperatures will initially fall across Macedonia and Thessaly before cooler conditions spread further south. At the same time, the likelihood of rain and local thunderstorms will increase, mainly across northern and central Greece.

Thessaloniki currently shows the most consistent signal for rainfall, according to the available forecast models.

Kolydas noted that ensemble forecasts do not provide one definitive outcome but instead present a range of possible scenarios, allowing the public to better assess both the most likely weather trend and the degree of uncertainty surrounding the forecast.

Weather forecast for Saturday

Saturday will be mostly sunny, with temporary cloud developing over mainland regions during the afternoon.

Local showers are expected over mountainous areas, with isolated thunderstorms possible in the mountains of central and eastern Macedonia.

Winds will blow from the north at 3 to 5 Beaufort, reaching 6 and locally 7 Beaufort in the Aegean before gradually weakening.

Temperatures will rise slightly, reaching:

• 32°C in the Cyclades.
• 34–36°C across the rest of the islands.
• 37–38°C across mainland Greece.
• Locally up to 39°C in some mainland areas.

Regional forecast

Macedonia and Thrace

Conditions will be mostly sunny, with temporary afternoon cloud and local showers over mountainous areas. Isolated thunderstorms may develop in the mountains of central and eastern Macedonia.

Temperatures will range from 20°C to 36°C, reaching 37–38°C locally in central Macedonia.

Ionian Islands, Epirus and western Greece

Mostly clear conditions are forecast, with temporary afternoon cloud over mainland areas and local showers in the mountains.

Temperatures will reach 36°C on the islands and 37–38°C, locally 39°C, on the mainland.

Thessaly, eastern Central Greece and the eastern Peloponnese

The weather will remain mostly sunny, with temporary afternoon cloud and local showers over mountainous areas.

Maximum temperatures will reach 37–38°C, rising locally to 39°C.

Cyclades and Crete

Clear conditions are expected throughout the day.

Temperatures will reach 32°C in the Cyclades and locally 34–35°C in Crete.

Eastern Aegean islands and Dodecanese

The weather will remain sunny, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 35–36°C.

Attica

Attica will remain sunny, with northeasterly winds gradually weakening.

Temperatures will range from 25°C to 36–37°C, although eastern districts will be two to three degrees cooler.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki will be mostly sunny, with temporary afternoon cloud and a possibility of local showers over the surrounding mountains.

Temperatures will range from 24°C to 34–35°C.

Sunday forecast

Sunday will remain mostly sunny, with temporary afternoon cloud over mainland areas.

Local showers are expected in mountainous regions, while isolated thunderstorms may develop in central and eastern Macedonia.

Temperatures will remain at very high levels, reaching 35–37°C across the islands and 38–39°C on the mainland, with local highs of 40°C.

Temperatures could reach 41°C early next week

The intense heat is expected to continue on Monday and Tuesday.

According to the latest forecast, temperatures across mainland Greece could reach 40–41°C locally on July 20 and July 21, before the expected change in weather brings a gradual decline.