Greece is preparing to face its first heatwave of the summer, after surviving in June the record heatwaves that swept across most of Europe.

Meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas said that maximum temperatures in the Thessaly region, parts of the Peloponnese, and the greater Athens area could reach or exceed 40°C, expecting conditions to gradually moderate from Thursday.

Heatwaves in Greece

Kolydas explained that forecasts from Monday to Wednesday indicate the country will not just see a temporary rise in temperatures, but a full-blown heatwave, especially in mainland areas.

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Meteo.gr reported that the first temperature exceeding 40°C this season was recorded, reaching 40.4°C in the town of Konitsa in northwestern Greece.

Meanwhile, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service predicted temperatures between 40 and 41°C in most parts of the mainland on Monday and Tuesday.

Record Levels

Recording such temperatures in late July is unusual in Greece, but the heavy rains and strong winds this month delayed heatwaves, while several European countries have recorded record temperatures. Meteo.gr noted that this is the third latest date since 2011 when temperatures exceeded 40°C, after July 20, 2015, and July 30, 2013.