Greece, which avoided the extreme heat that affected much of Europe in June, is now bracing for its first heatwave of the year. Maximum temperatures in Thessaly, parts of the Peloponnese, and the greater Athens area are expected to reach or exceed 40C (104F), according to prominent meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas. The heatwave is forecast to last from Monday to Wednesday, with a likely fall in temperatures on Thursday.
Kolydas noted that the current weather conditions are not just a warm spell but a significant heatwave, particularly over mainland Greece. The first measurement over 40C this season was recorded in Konitsa, a town in northwestern Greece, with a temperature of 40.4C. The national weather service EMY forecasts temperatures between 40C and 41C for Monday and Tuesday in mainland Greece.
This late heatwave in July is unusual for Greece. Rain in June and strong winds in July had previously kept temperatures down, even as other parts of Europe experienced record-breaking heat. Meteo.gr reported that this is the third latest 40-degree recording since 2011, following July 20, 2015, and July 30, 2013.
The delayed heatwave in Greece comes as a contrast to the early and intense heat experienced across much of Europe this summer. The situation underscores the variability of climate patterns and the challenges faced by different regions in adapting to extreme weather conditions.