Strong winds will intensify across the Aegean starting Wednesday, reaching 6 to 7 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts up to 8 expected Thursday, heightening the risk of wildfires, Greece's National Observatory said.
Meteo.gr forecast generally clear skies Wednesday, with localized clouds over mountainous areas during the warmest hours.
Temperatures are expected to range from 16 to 33-34°C in Western Macedonia, up to 35-36°C in the rest of Macedonia and Thrace, and as high as 38-39°C in Epirus. Crete will see highs of 31°C, rising to 35-36°C in the south, while parts of Rhodes could reach 38°C.
Winds in the Aegean will blow mainly from the north and northeast at up to 5-6 Beaufort, reaching 7 in the southern Aegean.
The Ionian Sea will see lighter winds of 3-4 Beaufort from varying directions.
In Attica, skies will remain clear with northerly winds up to 4-5 Beaufort, reaching 6 in the region's eastern areas, and temperatures between 20 and 35-37°C.
Thessaloniki will also see clear conditions, with light winds up to 2-3 Beaufort and temperatures ranging from 26 to 33-34°C.
Authorities have urged heightened vigilance as the combination of high winds and elevated temperatures raises fire danger across much of the country.