Temperatures soaring above 43 degrees Celsius marked the final day of an intense heatwave, which is expected to gradually recede from Thursday onward. Meteorologists forecast a noticeable improvement in weather conditions starting July 23rd, with the mercury beginning its descent. According to data from the automated weather station network of the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr), exceptionally high temperatures were recorded across many parts of the country through 4:30 PM on Wednesday. The highest reading was logged in Lefkochori, Fthiotis, where the thermometer climbed to 43.5°C. Sparta followed with 42°C, and Mystras in Laconia recorded 41.3°C.
Read also: Cool Routes: The map showing where to escape the heatwave in central Athens — the first “cool refuges”
Stifling conditions grip Athens and major urban centers
Conditions were particularly oppressive in Athens and across major urban centers. Within the Attica basin, the highest temperature was recorded in Avlonas, where the mercury reached 41.1°C. Nevertheless, central Athens managed to hold temperatures at a relatively lower 36°C. Scorching readings were also observed in other cities, provincial towns, and island hubs — Livadeia also hit 41.1°C, Chalkida recorded 39.7°C, Mytilene reached 39.6°C, and Kalamata touched 38.5°C.
A dramatic shift in conditions from Thursday
The weather picture changes dramatically on Thursday (July 23rd), as heatwave conditions retreat across most of the country, with maximum temperatures no longer expected to locally exceed 37°C — primarily on Crete. According to the National Observatory of Athens, sunshine will prevail in most regions tomorrow, although cloud build-up is anticipated from midday over the mountainous inland areas of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with the possibility of localized rainfall. Meanwhile, African dust transport will significantly subside, while a welcome breath of cooler air will be delivered by northerly and northwesterly winds over the Ionian and Aegean Seas, blowing at 4 to 5 Beaufort and reaching up to 6 Beaufort locally in the Dodecanese from midday onward.
The temperature drop will be immediately felt in both major urban centers. Athens can expect clear skies throughout the day, with northerly winds at 3–4 Beaufort in the morning and temperatures returning to normal seasonal levels, ranging between 23°C and 35°C. Thessaloniki will enjoy a similarly refreshing outlook, with sunshine and sparse clouds in the evening and a maximum temperature not exceeding 36°C, as northerly winds reach locally up to 4 Beaufort.
