The pyrometeorological conditions in the country are expected to deteriorate significantly from today until Friday, June 21, based on the latest available forecast data analyzed by the FLAME pyrometeorological team of the National Observatory of Athens (EAA) / meteo.gr.

As noted in a relevant announcement, the cause of this significant deterioration is strengthening of northerly winds (6-7 Beaufort) over the Aegean and the eastern mainland combined with the establishment of warm and dry conditions, which significantly increase the flammability of dead forest fuels.

Overall, the fire-meteorological conditions from today until at least Friday, June 21 are expected to be characterized by the particularly dangerous, for the occurrence and spread of forest fires, “Hot – Dry – Windy” type of weather. In particular, today in Attica, central and southern Evia, Lesbos, Chios, southern Samos and southern Crete, a very high potential is expected for any forest fires that occur to be driven by the wind with potentially large heat loads. A high potential for any wildfires that do occur to be wind-driven with potentially high heat loads is expected in Corinth, Argolis, Laconia (locally) and Lemnos (locally).

For Wednesday, a very high potential is expected in Attica, central and southern Evia, Laconia, Chios, Samos and southern Crete. High and locally very high potential is expected in Corinth, Argolis, Cyclades and Lesvos. A locally high potential for any forest fires that occur to be fire-inducing (self-driven) with potentially large thermal loads is expected in Ilia and Messinia.

It is pointed out that in the above geographical zones, special attention should be paid to areas where the northerly winds will “align” with the topography and forest fuel (for example, when the wind blows vertically on the slope of a densely vegetated mountain mass), maximizing the potential for extreme fire behavior.