Greece is bracing for a dramatic weather shift this week as a dangerous heatwave that is pushing temperatures above 40°C (104°F) is set to be followed by a sharp drop in temperature and high winds, creating what officials warn are “explosive” conditions for wildfires.
The current heatwave, the most intense of the summer so far, is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, with meteorologists forecasting temperatures as high as 42°C (108°F) in parts of the central mainland. Health authorities have issued alerts, urging the public, especially vulnerable groups, to avoid sun exposure and stay hydrated.
According to meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafyllias, a significant change is expected to begin on Thursday. A mass of cooler air will move in, causing temperatures to plummet by as much as 10 degrees Celsius.
However, the relief from the heat will be accompanied by a new danger: strong northerly winds. This combination of a landscape baked dry by days of extreme heat and the arrival of powerful gusts has put the country’s Civil Protection authority on high alert for a severe risk of fast-spreading wildfires.
The volatile conditions are expected to be short-lived, as forecasters are already predicting that a second heatwave will begin to build again by early next week.