Greece swings from autumn chill to clear skies and rising heat, with African dust returning
Following two days of unseasonably cool, wet weather, Greece woke to generally clear skies on Sunday 26 July as temperatures rebounded toward 34 degrees Celsius, with meteorological conditions gradually favouring Saharan dust transport to western regions.
A sharp shift to summer
After a two-day spell of what forecasters described as “autumn-type” stormy weather, Greece saw a rapid return to summer conditions on Sunday 26 July. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued a forecast of generally clear skies nationwide, with maximum temperatures rising to between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius across most areas. In the capital, Athens, the mercury was expected to reach 33 degrees, as was Thessaloniki, while parts of central Macedonia could see 34 degrees. The temperature turnaround comes just days after heavy rain and unseasonable chill gripped the country.
Winds and regional differences
Winds remained light to moderate, blowing variable 3 to 4 on the Beaufort scale over most of the mainland, shifting to southerly directions along coasts during the afternoon. Over the Aegean Sea, however, north-northwest winds were stronger, reaching 4 to 5 Beaufort and locally up to 6 Beaufort in the south, including around eastern and southern Crete. Minimum temperatures varied more sharply: while most areas started the day between 16 and 22 degrees, interior Epirus and western Macedonia saw lows 4 to 5 degrees lower than the regional average.
- Attica
- 33 °C
- Thessaloniki
- 33 °C
- Central Macedonia
- 34 °C
- Thessaly
- 34 °C
- Ionian Islands & West
- 34 °C
- Crete
- 33 °C
- Dodecanese
- 33 °C
African dust makes a comeback
The EMY noted that atmospheric circulation patterns were gradually becoming conducive to the transport of Saharan dust, particularly over western Greece. This phenomenon, common in late spring and summer, can reduce visibility and contribute to elevated particulate matter concentrations. The dust is expected to persist through Monday and potentially into the following days as southerly winds strengthen.
Monday: thunderstorms in the north, heat builds
By Monday 27 July, the picture becomes more dynamic. Northern Greece is expected to see transient cloudiness by midday and afternoon, bringing localised rain and isolated thunderstorms mainly over mountainous terrain. The rest of the country will remain generally clear, with only local cloud development over high ground during the afternoon hours. Winds will turn to southerly directions, 3 to 5 Beaufort, reaching up to 6 Beaufort locally in southern waters. Temperature will climb further: mainland values are forecast to hit 35 to 37 degrees, locally 38°C, while island areas will reach 33 to 35 degrees.
The fortnight ahead
Meteorologist Thodoris Kolidas outlined a pattern of sustained warmth for the coming two weeks, without, however, the ingredients for a prolonged heatwave. He indicated that a noticeable temperature spike is likely on 28 and 29 July, followed by a slight dip towards the end of the month, and then a renewed warming trend in the first days of August. This outlook suggests a typical Mediterranean summer rhythm, with episodes of high heat punctuated by brief respites.
- Clear skies, temperatures rebound to 32-34°C across most of Greece.
- Heat builds: mainland 35-37°C, locally 38°C; northern mountains get isolated storms.
- Noticeable temperature spike expected, per Thodoris Kolidas.
- Slight temperature dip forecast toward the end of the month.
- New upward temperature trend likely, but no prolonged heatwave conditions foreseen.
Coastal and island specifics
Across the Ionian islands, Epirus, western Sterea and western Peloponnese, Sunday’s maximums were set to hit 32 to 34 degrees, with winds staying modest. The Cyclades and Crete saw slightly cooler conditions, maxima of 31 to 33 degrees, while the eastern Aegean and Dodecanese stayed between 32 and 33 degrees. The combination of rising heat and variable winds points to ideal beach weather for locals and tourists, though the returning dust may tint skies a hazy orange, especially around the Ionian coast.
