Greece: Heatwave and strong winds up to 8 Beaufort, Crete, Rhodes, Karpathos on 'red' alert

Greece is bracing for continued high temperatures and strong winds, prompting Civil Protection to issue a 'red' alert for several regions, including Crete, Rhodes, and Karpathos.

Temperatures are expected to climb further inland, potentially reaching 37 to 38 degrees Celsius, with some western areas experiencing up to 39 degrees. The combination of heat and winds, which could gust up to 8 Beaufort in the Aegean Sea, significantly increases the risk of wildfires, according to the latest fire risk map.

The weather forecast predicts generally clear skies with some localized clouds, particularly over mountainous areas during the afternoon. There is a possibility of brief showers in the mountains and isolated thunderstorms in eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Winds will vary across the country, generally blowing from the north or east, with stronger gusts expected in the Aegean.

Specific regional forecasts indicate high temperatures across the mainland, with slightly cooler conditions on the islands, though southern Crete and the Dodecanese islands may still see temperatures reach up to 36-37 degrees Celsius. Athens is expected to experience temperatures between 25 and 38 degrees Celsius.