Greece braces for 'mini heatwave' with temperatures to hit 39C on Sunday

Greece is set to experience a significant rise in temperatures, with meteorologists forecasting a "mini heatwave" in the coming days. The mercury is expected to climb 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages across many parts of the country. On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the hottest regions could see thermometers reach 38 or even 39 degrees Celsius (100.4 to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

Central Macedonia, the Thessaly plain, Boeotia, Argolis, and Aetolia-Acarnania are identified as the areas most likely to experience the peak heat. In the Attica region, including Athens, temperatures are predicted to remain slightly lower but will still hover around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with conditions expected to feel intensely hot and cause significant discomfort, particularly in the city center.

Following the weekend's peak, a slight decrease in temperature is anticipated from Monday, July 13. However, experts suggest this cooling will be temporary. Another increase in temperatures is expected from Wednesday, July 15, indicating that hot weather will continue to dominate across most of the country.

The general weather pattern will be clear skies, with occasional clouds forming over mountainous inland areas during the afternoon. These may bring localized showers or storms, with isolated thunderstorms possible in the mountains of Macedonia. Winds in the Aegean Sea will be northwesterly at 4 to 6 Beaufort, while elsewhere they will be variable and light, strengthening to up to 5 Beaufort in the west during the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 18 to 36 degrees Celsius in various regions.