Authorities in Greece are grappling with multiple wildfires that have forced mass evacuations and sparked concerns for the tourism sector even as some major blazes have now been extinguished.
The nation is now also bracing for its second major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) starting on Sunday.
Wildfires under control, tourism impact feared
A significant wildfire in southeastern Crete, which led to the evacuation of thousands, has been brought under control. The blaze in the Lasithi region near Ierapetra ignited on Tuesday and forced over one thousand residents and visitors from at least four settlements to a temporary shelter.
Reuters quoted George Tzarakis, head of hoteliers in the area, estimating that approximately five thousand tourists have already departed and raising significant concerns for future bookings on the island. The fire, fueled by gale-force winds and dry conditions, scorched forests and olive groves, with some homes sustaining damage and several individuals treated for respiratory issues.
In a separate incident, a large wildfire that erupted Thursday afternoon in low vegetation near homes in Rafina, a coastal town east of Athens, has also been extinguished. This fire prompted evacuations, road closures, and flight delays at the capital’s international airport, as it spread uncontrollably towards Spata.
Arson arrests made
Authorities have made arrests in connection with other blazes. In Halkidiki, a 45-year-old man faces negligent arson charges and has been accused of starting a fire through the use of farming machinery on Wednesday near Vourvourou.
A 48-year-old man was also arrested in Thessaloniki for a fire on Tuesday, similarly linked to agricultural work.
High wildfire risk continues in Greece amid incoming heatwave
Despite recent moments success, a very high risk of fire (Category 4) is forecast for Friday, according to the Fire Risk Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection. Areas under this heightened alert include:
- Attica (including the island of Kythera)
- Central Greece (regional unit of Evia)
- the Peloponnese (regional units of Corinth, Argolida, and Laconia)
- the North Aegean (regional units of Chios, Samos, and Ikaria)
State services, municipalities, and regional authorities in these regions have been advised to be on high alert for prompt fire response.
“Heat dome” to bring in extreme temperatures
Greece is bracing for its second major heatwave of the summer, beginning on Sunday, as a “heat dome” phenomenon moves eastward from Western Europe. This weather pattern, characterized by warm air masses that remain stationary due to strong anticyclonic pressures, will bring in temperatures that could exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Unlike previous heatwaves, this heatwave will approach from the west rather than being fed by hot air masses from Africa. Kostas Lagouvardos, the scientific director of meteo.gr, explained that a “heat dome” emphasizes known meteorological phenomena whereby “warm air masses from Africa, which, due to strong anticyclonic pressures, remained stationary. The warm air remains stationary, heating the entire area, while pressure heats the air even lower.”
Temperatures in eastern mainland areas, including the plain of Thessaly, Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Attica, and Athens, are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, potentially reaching 41 to 42 degrees Celsius (105 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit) starting on Monday.
While this heatwave is expected to bring in temperatures that will be five to six (41 to 43 Fahrenheit) degrees Celsius above normal, this is less extreme than the 10-degree Celsius (50-degree Fahrenheit) rise seen in Western Europe’s recent three-day heatwave. Lagouvardos stressed that “the thermal burden will be great for public health.”
He advised particular care and attention be paid to vulnerable people and all residents in general, especially in cities where high daytime temperatures often do not drop significantly overnight, resulting in discomfort.
