Persistent heatwave ongoing, weather forecast predicts extreme conditions ahead
In our country, the summer heat has been intense, with temperatures reaching record highs and nighttime temperatures offering little relief. This week, the mercury climbed as high as 37.2 degrees in Weil am Rhein on Wednesday [1].
As if the heat wasn't enough, meteorologists predict a weather shock over the weekend. Temperatures are set to rise even further, reaching up to 37°C starting Thursday [1]. To add to the mix, northerly winds will strengthen in the Aegean region, blowing at 6–7 Beaufort, potentially increasing slightly but staying below 8 Beaufort. This combination of high heat and wind has prompted an "orange" alert in seven regions, signaling elevated fire risk [1].
The regions under the orange alert include Crete, Karpathos, Kasos, Chios, Psara, Samos, and Ikaria. The associated risks primarily include a very high fire risk (category 4) in these regions and a high fire risk (category 3) in other mainland and island areas [1]. Authorities have been alerted to maintain readiness for responding to potential fire incidents.
The good news is that this heatwave is expected to subside by Saturday across our country [1]. However, the weekend will also bring some challenges, with downpours predicted in the middle and southern regions. The low "Quill" cold front will move into our country on Friday, potentially bringing some relief from the fire danger in the east [1].
Unfortunately, other countries are also experiencing extreme heat. Spain has requested international assistance and is calling for additional firefighting aircraft due to extreme heat and forest fires. Portugal and Turkey are also battling temperatures up to 43 degrees [1].
On the brighter side, the change in weather will finally decrease ozone pollution in our country. The German Environment Agency currently warns about the effects of high ozone values, with average daily peak values at 138 micrograms per cubic meter, far above the WHO recommendation [1].
In summary, the weekend will see temperatures rising to around 37°C starting Thursday, strengthening northerly winds (6–7 Beaufort) in the Aegean, very high fire danger in seven regions (orange alert), downpours in the middle and southern regions, and a gradual return to seasonal normal temperatures after the weekend. Stay safe and stay cool!
[1] Source: Meteo Greece (https://www.meteo.gr/en/weather-forecast/greece)
The other regions facing similar weather challenges include Spain, Portugal, and Turkey, battling temperatures of up to 43 degrees. This upcoming weekend, other weather conditions such as downpours will affect the middle and southern regions of our country.
