Greece on High Alert: 39C Heat, 9-Beaufort Winds Fuel Extreme Fire Risk

Greece faces a heightened risk of wildfires as a dangerous mix of high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity creates a perilous fire scenario across many regions. The "hot, dry, windy" conditions are particularly prevalent in eastern and southern Greece, with winds in the Aegean Sea reaching up to 9 Beaufort.

This dangerous meteorological setup has placed the state machinery on high alert. The simultaneous presence of strong winds, dry air, and high temperatures significantly elevates the fire risk. According to the Risk Assessment Committee, northerly winds in Thrace and western Peloponnese will reach 4 to 6 Beaufort. In Attica-Boeotia, Evia, eastern and southern Peloponnese, Kythira, western Crete, and a large part of the Aegean, winds will blow at 6 to 7 Beaufort, with gusts locally reaching 8 and possibly 9 Beaufort.

Particular attention is required in areas where strong winds combine with high temperatures and limited humidity. A "Red Code" has been issued for many regions, indicating areas where, in case of a fire, extreme development is possible. These include Attica, Boeotia, central and southern Evia, Laconia, Argolis, Chios, and Mytilene.

Professor of Natural Disasters Kostas Synolakis highlighted the increased risk, stating, "Let us all understand that in such conditions, the slightest spark can travel even a kilometer away... At this moment, the Fire Service is trying to take draconian measures, but we as citizens must also be careful, very careful about ignitions."

For Monday, August 10, a Red Code mobilization is in effect for the Attica region, including Kythira, as well as parts of the Peloponnese, Crete, Central Greece, the North and South Aegean, and Western Greece. Despite the strong northerly winds, temperatures remain high, reaching 34 to 36 degrees Celsius in most areas, and up to 37 degrees in mainland regions, Crete, and the Dodecanese. In Epirus, western Sterea, and western and southern Peloponnese, temperatures are expected to reach locally 38 to 39 degrees Celsius.

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Let us all understand that in such conditions, the slightest spark can travel even a kilometer away… At this moment, the Fire Service is trying to take draconian measures, but we as citizens must also be careful, very careful about ignitions.