Greece is bracing for its first heatwave of the summer, with meteorologists predicting temperatures will soar beyond 42°C in the coming days.
The heatwave is expected to persist for three to four days, peaking on Thursday and Friday.
Kolyadas: Understanding a Heatwave and Expected Temperatures
In a recent post, Theodoros Kolyadas discussed the nature of heatwaves and outlined the anticipated temperature ranges for the days ahead.
What Constitutes a Heatwave and Temperature Projections
While there is no standard definition for a heatwave globally, the criteria can differ based on geographic and climatic factors. For instance, temperatures around 35°C might signal a heatwave in Scandinavian regions, yet they are typically regarded as normal in Greece. Conversely, while 40°C is commonplace in the Sahara or Saudi Arabia, it constitutes a heatwave here.
The article uses Athens as a case study for analyzing forecast data, which can apply to other cities as well.
Forecast: A Short, Moderate Heatwave – Hottest Day on Friday
From June 25 to June 27, high temperatures will hit 7-8°C above the norm.
Friday is Set to be the Hottest Day
Latest forecasts indicate exceptionally high temperatures on Friday, affecting most regions. However, thanks to northern winds, dust levels will remain low, although Northern Greece might see localized showers or storms from midday on the last day of the heatwave. A map displays the expected maximum temperatures across various sensitive areas of the country from Wednesday to Friday.
Temperature Projections for the Five Largest Cities
ATHENS:
Wednesday: 38°C
Thursday: 39-40°C
Friday: 40-41°C
Saturday: 37-38°C
Sunday: 34°C
THESSALONIKI:
Wednesday: 37-38°C
Thursday: 38°C
Friday: 38-39°C
Saturday: 35-36°C
Sunday: 35°C
PATRAS:
Wednesday: 35°C
Thursday: 36-37°C
Friday: 37-38°C
Saturday: 39-40°C
Sunday: 37°C
HERAKLION:
Wednesday: 32°C
Thursday: 34-35°C
Friday: 34-35°C
Saturday: 34-35°C
Sunday: 30°C
LARISSA:
Wednesday: 38°C
Thursday: 40-41°C
Friday: 41-42°C
Saturday: 38°C
Sunday: 36°C
Note: Temperatures are indicative averages, and fluctuations are likely as the forecast period progresses. Reaching 43°C could occur but will be localized.
Regions Most Affected by the Heat
The hottest areas will include:
- The interior of Central Macedonia
- The interior of Thessaly
- Western Central Greece
- Western Peloponnese and adjacent areas
Insights from Panagiotis Giannopoulos
The meteorologist predicts a gradual increase in temperatures, with Friday anticipated as the hottest day, followed by strong northerly winds in the coming days.
In Athens, temperatures could reach 40°C in the city center and western parts.
In inland areas, especially far from the coast, temperatures may locally exceed 40°C. By Saturday, a slight decline in temperatures is expected, with further cooling on Sunday.
The north winds will persist in the Aegean, reaching up to 6 Beaufort on Wednesday and Thursday, tapering off slightly before strengthening again on the weekend.
Temperature Trends from June 24
On Tuesday, June 24, maximum temperatures surpassed 37°C, with the hottest reading at Kilkis (37.7°C) followed by Karditsa and Palaios Skilitsios at 37.5°C. A map illustrates maximum temperature distributions across the country based on data from the National Observatory of Athens.
According to the data, over 412 of the 533 monitoring stations (approximately 77%) recorded temperatures over 30°C, while 521 stations (about 98%) exceeded 25°C, with an average maximum of 32.0°C, a rise of 2.1°C compared to the previous day.
Weather Forecast for Today
Expect sunny weather with some localized clouds developing over mountainous areas in the afternoon. Dust concentrations will be slightly elevated in the east and northern regions.
Temperatures:
- Western Macedonia: 15 to 33°C
- The rest of Macedonia, Thrace, Thessaly: 19 to 39°C
- Epirus: 19 to 35°C
- Central Greece and Peloponnese: 17 to 38°C
- Ionian Islands: 19 to 36°C
- North and East Aegean Islands: 19 to 38°C
- Cyclades: 20 to 34°C
- Dodecanese: 22 to 33°C
- Crete: 21 to 35°C
Winds:
- Central and North Aegean: north winds 3–5 Beaufort
- South Aegean: west to northwest winds 3–5 Beaufort
- Ionian: northwest winds 2–4 Beaufort
In Attica: Sunny, with north winds 2–4 Beaufort and slightly elevated dust. Temperatures in central Athens: 25 to 38°C.
In Thessaloniki: Sunny, with variable winds up to 3 Beaufort and slightly elevated dust. Temperature in central Thessaloniki: 25 to 37°C.
Weather for Thursday, June 26
Expect generally clear skies, with some temporary clouds on mainland mountains during the afternoon.
Winds: North 3–5 Beaufort, occasionally reaching 6 in central and southern Aegean.
Temperature: A slight rise is expected, with peaks of 38–40°C inland, 36–38°C in the Ionian and eastern Aegean, and 33–35°C in other island regions.
Weather for Friday, June 27
Expect generally clear conditions, with local clouds developing in the afternoon, along with isolated showers or thunderstorms in the north.
Winds: North 3–5 Beaufort, occasionally 6 in the Aegean.
Temperature: High levels will persist, reaching 40–41°C in parts of the mainland.
Weather for Saturday, June 28
Generally clear skies with some clouds developing in the afternoons over mountains, potentially bringing local showers at night in Thrace and nearby areas.
Winds: North 4–5 Beaufort, up to 6–7 at sea.
Temperature: A drop of 2–3°C is expected.
Weather for Sunday, June 29
In Thrace, eastern Thessaly, the Sporades, Euboea, and eastern Central Greece, expect passing clouds with some local rain; generally clear elsewhere.
Winds:
- Initially from the west, shifting to north at 4–6 Beaufort, locally 7–8 in the Aegean
Temperature: Further decreases are expected.
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