The weather streak that ended this summer – Kolyda’s post

The daily Fire Risk Forecast Map published by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection presents an exceptionally rare picture for mid-summer, meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas noted in a social media post.

According to the well-known meteorologist, the prevalence of “Category 2” conditions, indicating moderate risk, across almost the entire country in late July is highly unusual. He pointed out that such a low risk level for the outbreak and spread of wildfires at the height of the summer season has not been recorded since 2020.

Reviewing meteorological data from recent years, Kolydas explained that the closest comparable period was the five days between July 16 and 20, 2020, particularly July 18 of that year.

However, he clarified that even then, the phenomenon occurred in the middle of the month rather than at the very end of July, making the current situation even more remarkable.

“Today’s almost nationwide Category 2 rating on July 27, 2026, is highly unusual for such an advanced stage of the summer. The closest precedent was the five-day period from July 16 to 20, 2020, particularly July 18, 2020, though not quite at the end of the month,” Theodoros Kolydas wrote.

The fire risk categories are as follows:

• Category 1 (Green): Low risk.
• Category 2 (Blue): Moderate risk.
• Category 3 (Yellow): High risk.
• Category 4 (Orange): Very high risk, requiring heightened preparedness and possible restrictions.
• Category 5 (Red): State of Alert, indicating extreme risk, maximum preparedness measures and access restrictions.