Gale-Force Winds Hit Attica, Reaching 150 km/h in Penteli Amid High Fire Risk

Attica is experiencing gale-force winds, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour in Penteli, according to the National Observatory of Athens.

These powerful northeasterly winds have been blowing since early Friday morning across the eastern mainland and the Aegean Sea. The highest recorded gust in the Attica region by 9:30 AM on Friday, July 31, was measured at the summit of Penteli. The observatory's network of automatic weather stations recorded eight of the highest maximum gusts in the area.

The intense winds, coupled with high temperatures, have created a dangerous combination, leading to a very high fire risk in Attica and seven other regions. The fire risk index, issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, categorizes the risk level at 4, indicating extreme danger.

Authorities are appealing to the public for responsibility and heightened vigilance. Citizens are urged to avoid any activity that could potentially ignite a fire. This includes a strict prohibition on burning dry grass and branches, as well as refraining from using tools or machinery that could generate sparks. The warning emphasizes the critical need for preventative measures to avert wildfires during this hazardous period.