The meltemi winds will continue to batter the country over the next 24 hours, keeping the risk of wildfire ignition and spread at exceptionally high levels. With gale-force winds reaching up to 10 Beaufort and numerous fire fronts still active, the situation remains extremely critical — posing serious danger of new wildfires breaking out as well as re-ignitions of existing ones. Meteorologist Klearchos Marousakis of OPEN TV warns that the powerful winds will persist through midday Sunday, with gusts potentially reaching 10 Beaufort in some areas. At the same time, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection has placed Attica and Euboea under an extreme wildfire danger alert for Saturday, August 1.
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Meltemi winds: Marousakis warns of a dangerous 24 hours ahead
According to Klearchos Marousakis, the intensified meltemi winds currently sweeping the country at 8 to 9 Beaufort — with locally even stronger gusts — will continue to affect large parts of Greece throughout the coming day.
As he explained, when northerly winds pass over the mountain ranges of western mainland Greece, the Attica-Boeotia region, and the eastern and southern Peloponnese, they act as “katabatic” (downslope) winds, intensifying significantly and becoming particularly hot and dry. This phenomenon dramatically increases the risk of wildfire ignition and rapid spread.
The meteorologist estimates that the very strong wind conditions will persist until midday Sunday, when the meltemi winds are expected to gradually weaken.
For Saturday, winds of 7 to 8 Beaufort are forecast, with local gusts reaching 9 Beaufort. In Crete, katabatic winds may even touch 10 Beaufort, while strong winds will also affect the central Aegean, Euboea,
the Attica-Boeotia region, and the eastern and southern Peloponnese.
“Red alert” for wildfires in Attica and Euboea
The highly dangerous forecast is also reflected in the updated Wildfire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
For Saturday, an extreme wildfire risk (Category 5) has been declared for:
- the Region of Attica
- the Regional Unit of Euboea
In addition, a very high wildfire risk (Category 4) has been declared for numerous other areas across the country, including:
- the Peloponnese (Corinthia, Argolis, Arcadia, Laconia),
- Central Greece (Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis, Euboea, and Skyros),
- the islands of the Northern and Southern Aegean,
- Chania and Rethymno in Crete,
- Western Greece,
- as well as parts of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Civil Protection authorities have already notified all relevant services, regional authorities, and municipalities to maintain heightened operational readiness. Citizens are also urged to avoid any outdoor activities that could trigger a fire, including burning dry vegetation, using spark-producing tools, lighting outdoor barbecues, or any other action that could lead to ignition.
Authorities also remind the public that field burning is prohibited during the fire season. Anyone who spots a wildfire should immediately contact the Fire Service by calling 199.
