Porto Germeno ground temperatures rise up to 14°C after wildfire

Satellite data analyzed by the METEO unit of the National Observatory of Athens reveals that the loss of forest vegetation following a major wildfire in Porto Germeno, Western Attica, has significantly impacted ground surface temperatures.

Using high-resolution data from the Landsat-9 satellite, researchers compared two periods with similar weather conditions: July 31, 2026, before the fire, and August 16, 2026, shortly after. Within the burned areas, ground surface temperatures were found to be 12–14°C higher than before the fire.

While these measurements specifically reflect ground surface temperature rather than air temperature, experts note that this increase can affect the air temperature near the surface and subsequently alter the local microclimate. The data serves as a vital tool for understanding how natural disasters like wildfires impact regional ecological balance and energy equilibrium.