Greece braces for extreme heat and high fire risk

Forecasts of up to 41°C with strong winds raise fire risk across the country through midweek.

Greece faces extreme heat and high fire risk

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service warns that Monday will bring hot weather and strong winds, with temperatures reaching 39-41°C in the western mainland, 37-39°C in the northern mainland and eastern Aegean, and 35-37°C in the eastern mainland. In the Cyclades, Sporades and northern Crete, temperatures are expected to be cooler at 30-32°C. Strong winds will intensify the heat and dry conditions across much of Greece.

FLAME, the pyro-meteorological team at the National Observatory of Athens, notes that hot, dry and windy conditions will create high difficulty in controlling fires across almost the entire mainland, with very high to extreme difficulty in controlling fires in much of the eastern and southern mainland. The Civil Protection General Secretariat has marked Sunday as extreme fire risk for the greater Athens area, Viotia and Evia, with many regions across the country listed as high risk for Monday.

The forecast tests Greece’s readiness for climate driven extremes. A heat wave this intense, paired with persistent winds, strains firefighting capacity and public alert systems. Local authorities will need to balance rapid response with economic costs for agriculture and tourism, while keeping residents informed and safe.

Beyond immediate danger, the week highlights how heat and fire risk intersect with politics and budgets. Preparedness relies on funding, interagency coordination, and clear public guidance in a climate where such events may become more common.

Highlights

Authorities will determine readiness needs in the coming days to prevent a repeat of past wildfire seasons.