Heat wave pushes temperatures to 40 °C in Greece and Cyprus
A strong heat wave is sweeping the Eastern Mediterranean. In Greece, interior temperatures are expected to reach 40 °C, with 38‑39 °C recorded across much of the mainland and the islands. The Aegean Sea will experience sustained meltemi winds of 6‑7 Beaufort, raising the risk of wildfires, especially in the western mainland, the Cyclades and the southern Peloponnese. A yellow warning has been issued for Thursday, and the heat is forecast to intensify over the weekend, with the highest values anticipated in Central Macedonia, the Yannis area, Larissa and the Argos region. In Cyprus, similar high temperatures are forecast, with inland readings climbing toward 40 °C and strong northerly breezes affecting coastal conditions. Meteorologists such as Olga Papavgoulli, Christina Rigo and Thodoris Kolydas have warned that the combination of extreme heat, dry air and strong winds creates a “dangerous cocktail” that could trigger rapid fire spread. Residents are advised to stay alert, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours and follow local fire‑danger alerts.
Entities: Aegean Sea · Cyprus · Cyprus Meteorological Department · Cyprus Meteorology Department · Greece · Greek Meteorological Service · Olga Papavgoulli · Thodoris Kolydas
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 15 SOURCES] Interior temperatures in Greece are expected to reach around 40 °C on 6 August 2026. (Greek weather forecasts)
- [● 15 SOURCES] A yellow heat warning was issued for Greece on 6 August 2026, effective from 14:00 to 16:30. (Greek meteorological services)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Cyprus issued a yellow warning for extreme maximum temperature of about 40 °C on 6 August 2026. (Cyprus Meteorology Department)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Temperatures are expected to remain high but without a significant rise over the next three days across Greece and Cyprus. (Weather forecasts)
- [● 15 SOURCES] Localized thunderstorms and brief rain showers are possible in the mountainous regions of Greece on 6 August 2026. (Greek weather forecasts)
- [● 12 SOURCES] Strong north winds in the Aegean Sea are expected to reach up to 7 Beaufort on 6 August 2026. (Greek weather forecasts)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Mainland Greece temperatures are forecast at 37‑38 °C on 6 August 2026. (Greek weather forecasts)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Cyprus temperatures are expected to reach up to 38 °C inland and 30‑33 °C along the coast on 6 August 2026. (Cyprus weather forecasts)