Prolonged heatwave expected in Greece, forecasters warn of up to 42 degrees Celsius

Meteorologists are issuing a stark warning about an impending prolonged heatwave set to grip Greece. Forecasters predict that the latter half of August could be the most intensely hot period of the season, with temperatures potentially soaring to as high as 42 degrees Celsius in some areas.

While the summer has been relatively mild so far, a gradual increase in temperatures is expected to begin soon. Meteorologist Yiannis Kallianos highlighted that a more significant rise is anticipated starting Saturday, August 22, as warmer air masses move towards the country. Over the weekend and into Monday, local temperatures could reach 39-40 degrees Celsius, particularly in regions like Thessaly, plains of Central Macedonia, Central Sterea, Western Sterea, and Eastern and Southern Peloponnese. Athens is forecast to experience temperatures around 38 degrees Celsius.

Kallianos further cautioned that projections suggest temperatures could climb even higher from Tuesday, August 25, onwards. While the scenario of reaching 40-41, or even 42 degrees Celsius locally, is not yet confirmed, he stressed that it remains a possibility. Significant uncertainty exists in forecasting models regarding the peak temperature and the duration of this heat event.

This is not expected to be a brief heat spell lasting only a few days. Instead, meteorologists anticipate a potentially extended period of high temperatures, possibly continuing until August 26-27 or even into the first few days of September. This shift is attributed to changes in barometric systems, which are now directing hot air masses toward Greece, unlike previous patterns that affected Western and Southwestern Europe.