Greek weather service forecasts 37C peak heat and African dust across western regions

Rising temperatures and regional variations

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) published its forecast for Sunday, 30 August 2026, outlining high late-summer heat across Greece. Maximum temperatures across the mainland and the Ionian territory are projected to span from 34 to 36 degrees Celsius, with local western areas reaching peak levels of 37 degrees Celsius. Southeastern regions of the country will record a slight rise in temperature during the day. In the capital region of Attica, thermometers will register minimums of 24 degrees Celsius and maximums of 34 degrees Celsius under clear skies. Northern urban centres will experience comparable heat, with Thessaloniki tracking between 23 and 33 degrees Celsius.

The Aegean islands will see slightly cooler conditions, recording maximums between 31 and 32 degrees Celsius, while southern Crete and the Dodecanese island chain will reach between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius. In western continental regions, including Epirus, western Central Greece, and the western Peloponnese, morning lows of 22 degrees Celsius will give way to peaks of 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. Thessaly, eastern Central Greece, and the eastern Peloponnese are forecast to stay within a range of 22 to 36 degrees Celsius.

African dust and atmospheric stability

Meteorological conditions over the eastern Mediterranean favour the northward transport of African dust across western portions of Greece. This atmospheric phenomenon, combined with daytime temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius in several mainland districts, creates hazy and stifling air quality during peak sunlight hours. Morning visibility will be locally restricted across western coastal and lowland areas before clearing toward midday.

The dust concentration coincides with calm to moderate surface airflows across western parts of the country, where variable winds are expected to measure between 3 and 4 Beaufort. These slow-moving air currents limit the immediate dispersal of particulate matter across the Ionian coast and western valleys.

Rain, thunderstorms and maritime wind patterns

While the broader forecast indicates generally sunny conditions nationwide, localised atmospheric instability will bring precipitation to select northern and mountainous areas. Central and eastern Macedonia will see temporary cloud cover during the early morning hours, generating scattered rain and isolated thunderstorms. Cloud cover will build again from midday into the afternoon, producing mountain showers across central Macedonia, eastern Macedonia, and western Macedonia.

Maritime navigation and coastal zones will encounter contrasting wind regimes between the eastern and western basins. Northerly winds across eastern sectors will blow between 4 and 5 Beaufort, while the open Aegean Sea will sustain steady winds of 6 Beaufort. In the southeastern Aegean, gusts are projected to reach 7 Beaufort temporarily before moderating.

Outlook for Monday

The meteorological pattern will largely persist into Monday, 31 August 2026. EMY projects generally clear skies across Greece, accompanied by temporary midday and afternoon clouds over mainland mountain ranges that may trigger isolated showers. Morning visibility across western territories will again be locally restricted due to residual dust and humidity.

Winds on Monday will shift to southerly directions in the west at 3 to 5 Beaufort, while eastern marine corridors will maintain northerly flows between 4 and 6 Beaufort. Temperatures across both mainland and island territories will register no significant variation compared to Sunday levels.