Greece heatwave persists through August 26, Crete highs reach 35-36°C
A prolonged heatwave affecting Greece is expected to keep temperatures elevated across the mainland through around August 26, with highs of 38-42°C in places, according to the National Observatory of Athens and meteo.gr. Crete is also affected, though the island’s peak temperatures are forecast to stay lower, at 35-36°C.
The latest meteo.gr data indicate the hot spell will hold through the middle of next week, with the greatest heat concentrated on the mainland. On Saturday, August 22, maximum temperatures reached 38-39°C in mainland areas and locally 40°C, while island regions recorded generally lower values.
How long the heat will last
Sunday, August 23, is expected to remain one of the most difficult days of the episode, with the highest values forecast for Thessaly, Central Macedonia, Eastern Sterea and the Peloponnese, where the thermometer could locally approach or exceed 40°C. Forecasters said heatwave conditions are expected to persist until roughly August 26, before temperatures gradually ease.
The pattern will not be uniform nationwide. Strengthening north winds are expected to limit further temperature increases in some eastern and island areas, while regions away from their effect will continue to see intense heat. Attica will stay hot, Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia will see even warmer conditions, and Thessaly is expected to record some of the country’s highest temperatures.
Crete: highs up to 36°C, with north winds playing a key role
According to the latest available forecast from the National Meteorological Service (EMY) for Saturday, August 22, Crete is expected to see generally clear skies, with north to northwest winds of 4-5 Beaufort, locally up to 6. Temperatures across Greece will range from 24°C to 34°C, while Crete will reach 35-36°C, below the mainland’s peak readings reported in Crete’s weekend heatwave forecast.
This means Crete currently sits outside the temperature zone affecting mainland areas where the mercury reaches 39-40°C. North winds are acting as a significant moderating factor, particularly in the island’s northern and eastern areas.
However, conditions differ considerably between northern and southern Crete. Southern areas are likely to face greater heat stress, since the wind’s cooling effect is not uniform across the island. Southern Crete often records higher temperatures under similar weather patterns, particularly in areas further from the direct influence of the northern airflow.
The combination of heat and wind also raises fire danger. High temperatures combined with dryness and strengthened winds create unfavorable conditions for the outbreak and spread of wildfires. For Crete, this is a particularly important factor, as the combination of thermal stress and north winds can increase risk in rural areas — a concern already reflected in the fire service’s high wildfire risk rating issued earlier in the week.
Forecasters said the coming days for Crete will not bring the mainland’s extreme highs near 40°C, but consistently high temperatures, strong sunshine and strengthened north winds, with notable local differences between the island’s north and south. Dry vegetation loses moisture quickly under high temperatures, while strengthened winds can accelerate the spread of a fire, an issue of particular concern for Crete, the Aegean and mainland Greece, where winds are expected to be strongest.
What residents should know
During the hottest hours of the day, authorities recommend limiting sun exposure and avoiding strenuous physical activity, particularly for older people, children and other vulnerable groups. Adequate hydration is essential, while indoors it helps to limit direct sunlight during the day and ventilate rooms during cooler hours.
Nighttime temperature also matters, forecasters noted. When the mercury remains high after sunset, the body has greater difficulty releasing the heat accumulated during the day.
