Friday, July 17 – The first heat wave of this summer in Greece is forecast to begin this weekend and is predicted to last for at least the next 5 days.

In the Aegean region, July has seen temperatures held down by strong northerly Meltemi winds. However, starting tomorrow, Saturday, the meltemi winds will begin to weaken, and at the same time, the temperature will begin to rise. Maximum temperatures will reach 38°C, while a further rise is expected on Sunday, with temperatures approaching 39°C, and locally there is a possibility of highs reaching 40°C.

Tomorrow in the afternoon, local showers are likely in the mountains of Northern Greece, including possible isolated storms.

The peak of the heat wave is expected on Monday and Tuesday, according to meteorologists, who forecast these will be the hottest days of the phenomenon. On Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to reach 40°C across much of the country, and are not expected to drop during next week.