Fire Alert Across Greece: High Risk Amid Swelter and Storms

Greek authorities have issued a high alert for wildfires across several regions today, as strong winds and soaring temperatures heighten the risk of fires, according to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection’s Fire Risk Forecast Map.

Regions including Attica, Kythira, Corinthia, Argolida, the Cyclades, Lesvos, Chios, Psara, Samos, Ikaria, Crete, Karpathos, Kasos, parts of Euboea, Skyros, Laconia, and Boeotia are on high fire alert.

Yesterday, the first wildfire of the summer broke out in Anavyssos, Attica, burning low vegetation near residential areas. Authorities sent an emergency 112 alert, urging residents of Palaia Fokaia and Anavyssos to evacuate toward Athens for safety.

Weather Forecast for Wednesday, June 11
The National Meteorological Service (EMY) predicts mostly clear skies across Greece, with temporary clouds in mainland areas during the afternoon, potentially leading to localized showers or isolated thunderstorms in mountainous regions. In Macedonia, expect partly cloudy skies with showers or storms in the mountains, improving later in the day.

Winds will blow from northern directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort, reaching 6 locally in eastern Greece and up to 7 Beaufort in the Aegean Sea. Temperatures will remain high, hitting 28°C in the Cyclades, 31–34°C across most of the country, and up to 35–36°C in parts of western mainland Greece.

Regional Highlights:
- Attica: Clear skies, with northerly winds of 4–5 Beaufort, up to 6 in the east. Temperatures will range from 20°C to 34°C, slightly cooler in eastern areas.
- Thessaloniki: Partly cloudy with possible showers or storms in nearby mountains during the afternoon. Winds will be variable at 3–4 Beaufort, shifting to easterly up to 5 Beaufort in the morning. Temperatures will range from 20°C to 33°C.
- Macedonia and Thrace: In Macedonia, expect clouds with showers or storms in the mountains, improving later. Thrace will see mostly clear skies. Winds will be northeasterly at 3–5 Beaufort, with temperatures from 17°C to 34°C, cooler in western Macedonia.
- **Ionian Islands, Epirus, Western Sterea, Western Peloponnese**: Mostly clear with afternoon clouds and possible showers or storms in mountainous areas. Northerly winds at 3–4 Beaufort, up to 5 in the Ionian Sea. Temperatures will reach 32–36°C.
- Eastern Sterea, Euboea, Eastern Peloponnese: Clear skies with brief afternoon clouds and possible showers in Peloponnese mountains. Northerly winds at 4–6 Beaufort, up to 7 in the morning. Temperatures from 18°C to 34°C.
- Cyclades and Crete: Clear skies with strong northerly winds at 5–7 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 21°C to 30°C, reaching 33°C in southern Crete.
- Eastern Aegean Islands and Dodecanese: Clear skies with northerly winds at 5–7 Beaufort. Temperatures from 19°C to 33°C.
- Thessaly: Mostly clear with afternoon clouds and possible showers in the mountains. Variable winds at 3–4 Beaufort, northerly up to 5 in the Sporades. Temperatures from 18°C to 34°C, cooler in the Sporades.

Authorities urge residents and visitors to exercise caution, avoid activities that could spark fires, and stay informed through official channels as the fire risk remains elevated.