Greece braces for gale-force winds and a sharp temperature drop on August 15th amid high wildfire risk

Greece is set to experience a dramatic shift in weather on August 15th, with forecasters predicting gale-force winds and a sharp decrease in temperatures. The Aegean Sea will be hit by north-northeasterly winds reaching 8 to 9 Beaufort, with gusts exceeding 110 km/h. This is expected to cause a noticeable drop in temperature, potentially up to 8 degrees Celsius, making for a cooler-than-usual August holiday.

The severe weather conditions are raising significant concerns about fire risks across the country. The civil protection mechanism is on high alert as approximately two-thirds of Greece faces a high to extreme risk of wildfires. The combination of strong winds and dry conditions creates an "explosive mix" that could allow fires to spread rapidly and uncontrollably.

Specific regions have been identified as being at the highest risk. The fire risk map for August 15th places Attica, parts of Central Greece (including Evia and Boeotia), and the Peloponnese (Argolis, Corinthia) at an "extreme risk" level (Category 5). Areas like Fokida, Laconia, and the North Aegean are also highlighted as having a "very high risk" (Category 4).

These strong winds could also disrupt travel plans for many, particularly affecting ferry services to the Cyclades, Crete, and the Eastern Aegean. While the rest of the country is expected to have generally clear skies with some local showers possible in Crete and the Dodecanese, the focus remains on the severe weather impacting the mainland and the Aegean.

The forecast indicates that central Macedonia and Thessaly might experience increased cloudiness with localized rain and thunderstorms. However, the prevailing concern is the potential for widespread fires due to the extreme weather conditions, prompting authorities to remain vigilant.