Higher temperatures than normal were observed in the Athens basin -approximately 2-4°C above normal- with meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas explaining the additional factors that contribute to the increased heat in the region.
Theodoros Kolydas’ social media post
Specifically, Theodoros Kolydas noted in his social media post:
“IT’S NOT ALL MATHEMATICS AND NUMBERS – THERE’S ALSO PHYSICS (EXPLANATION)
-Today temperatures up to 38.8°C were observed (Agioi Theodoroi area) and generally between 36-38°C in many parts of Athens and the basin, given a value around 20°C at 850 hPa.
-The typical temperature gradient used to estimate surface temperature based on 850 hPa is approximately 1°C per 100 meters (dry adiabatic). Thus, from 850 hPa (approximately 1500 m) to the surface, we expected an increase of around 14-15°C, assuming ideal conditions of dry, clear weather with strong solar radiation.
-Given the temperature of 20°C at 850 hPa, therefore, the maximum theoretical surface temperature should have been around 34-35°C. However, the recorded temperatures are clearly higher, which means there are additional factors enhancing the heating.
-The city and urban environment of Athens tend to increase temperature through the urban heat island phenomenon. This phenomenon can add an additional 2-4°C to already high values, while simultaneously due to the strong meltemi wind, the dry and hot katabatic wind coming from Penteli, Parnitha and Hymettus mountains, as it descended it was compressed and thus heated further, resulting in very high temperatures especially in the coastal areas of the Saronic Gulf.
-The statistical distribution and density of data lead to a more reliable and representative value for Athens, close to 37.5°C, taking into account lower temperatures in coastal areas where the temperature is 35.5°C”.
💡ΔΕΝ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΟΛΑ ΜΑΘΗΜΑΤΙΚΑ ΚΑΙ ΑΡΙΘΜΟΙ – ΥΠΑΡΧΕΙ ΚΑΙ Η ΦΥΣΙΚΗ (ΕΞΗΓΗΣΗ)
✅Σήμερα παρατηρήθηκαν θερμοκρασίες έως και 38,8°C (περιοχή Αγίων Θεοδώρων) και γενικά μεταξύ 36-38°C σε πολλά σημεία της Αθήνας και του λεκανοπεδίου, με δεδομένη μια τιμή γύρω στους 20°C στα 850 hPa.
✅Η… pic.twitter.com/f4y36nK5ip— Theodoros Kolydas (@KolydasT) July 14, 2025
