Strong Winds and Rising Heat Bring Extreme Fire Risk to Four Greek Regions

Powerful winds sweep the Aegean as temperatures rise

Greece is currently facing a dangerous weather combination of strong northern winds and rising temperatures, increasing the risk of wildfires across several key regions. Wind gusts reached nearly 100 km/h in Karystos, while the central Aegean continues to experience reinforced meltemia over the next 24 hours, with gusts exceeding 70 km/h.

According to Alpha meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias, these conditions are set to persist until Friday, after which the winds will weaken — but instability will rise, especially in northwestern Greece, where isolated storms are expected.

Very high fire risk for Attica, Crete, Central Greece, and the North Aegean

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued a Category 4 – Very High Fire Risk warning for tomorrow, affecting the following regions:

• Region of Attica

• Central Greece (including Boeotia, Euboea, and Skyros)

• North Aegean (Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria)

• Crete

All regional and municipal authorities have been placed on high alert to respond rapidly to any fire outbreak.

Today’s weather: Sunshine with strong winds

Skies will remain mostly clear, with a few local clouds.

• Northern winds in the Aegean will blow at 5–6 Beaufort

• Northwest winds in the Ionian up to 4 Beaufort

Temperatures today:

• Mainland: 32–36°C (higher inland)

• Aegean & Crete: 28–30°C

• Eastern Aegean & Dodecanese: up to 34°C

Athens: Sunny, winds 4–6 Beaufort, highs around 32°C
Thessaloniki: Partly cloudy midday, highs of 30°C

Friday (August 29): Winds weaken, heat holds steady

On Friday, winds will ease gradually from the afternoon. The Aegean may still see gusts of 6–7 Beaufort earlier in the day.

Temperatures will reach 32–34°C, and up to 36°C in the mainland.

Saturday (August 30): Hot and clear with storms in the northwest

Most areas will remain clear, but clouds will build in the northern Ionian and Epirus by midday, bringing rain and isolated thunderstorms.

• Winds: West-southwest in the west (3–5 Beaufort); variable in the east

• Temperatures: Stable, remaining high

Sunday (August 31): Rain in the west and north, cooler temperatures

On Sunday, clouds and storms will affect the west and north early in the day, improving gradually. The rest of the country will enjoy mostly clear skies, with a few clouds in Thessaly.

• Winds: Westerly, 3–5 Beaufort, increasing in southern seas

• Temperatures: Slight drop in western and northern regions

Source: pagenews.gr