Greece weather warning issued for ‘very high temperatures’ as wildfire breaks out

A weather warning has been issued for Greece as temperatures soar across the country, reaching 42C in some parts. Popular destinations including Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and Kefalonia are expected to experience baking conditions in the coming days.

The Hellenic National Weather Agency has published an amber weather warning for this week which urges people to be ‘prepared’ for the extreme weather as ‘very high temperatures’ are expected. Forecasters said: “The southwest current that prevails in the lower levels of the atmosphere on the coasts of Africa and the Central Mediterranean will transport warm air masses to our region and cause very high temperatures in our country, which will be maintained at least until Friday (July 19)

“The highest temperatures will occur in the interior of mainland Greece (mainly in the west and north) and in the islands of the eastern Aegean. In the coastal areas of the mainland the maximum temperature value will be 2 to 4 degrees lower due to the sea breeze.”

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This week western Sterea, Thessaly and western Peloponnese are forecast to reach temperatures in the low 40s, with 43 forecast in some areas. Meanwhile the Ionian, the islands of the Eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese and southern Crete could see the mercury reach 41C.

The soaring temperatures means an increase risk of wildfires and according to local reports a fire has broken out in the area of Profitis Ilias in the Iraklio regional unit on the southern island of Crete. Local news site ekathimerini.com said: "The fire, which is spreading through low vegetation fanned by strong winds, is approaching houses in the settlement.

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