Strong northerly Meltemi winds are intensifying across the Aegean Sea, worsening wildfire conditions in Greece and complicating efforts to contain an active fire burning on three fronts in southern Crete.
The Meltemi is a strong, dry seasonal wind that blows across the Aegean during summer, usually from the north or northeast. Also known historically as the Etesian wind, it often reaches Force 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale and can become even stronger where airflow is funneled between islands. The wind develops because of pressure differences across the eastern Mediterranean, with higher pressure over the Balkans and lower pressure farther east. It is typically strongest during July and August, although episodes can also occur in June and September.
The Cyclades, Dodecanese, northeastern Aegean islands, eastern Evia and northern Crete are among the areas most exposed to the Meltemi. While the wind can bring some relief from extreme heat, it also produces rough seas, disrupts ferry services and makes swimming or sailing dangerous. Its dry nature can further reduce vegetation moisture, while strong gusts can carry embers far ahead of a fire front. During periods of drought and high temperatures, the Meltemi can turn a small ignition into a fast-moving and difficult-to-control wildfire.
That threat is already unfolding near Krya Vrysi in the Rethymno regional unit of Crete, where a wildfire is burning through low vegetation on three separate fronts.
Civil Protection issued evacuation orders for the villages of Saktouria and Melampes, instructing residents to leave their homes as a precaution and move toward Agia Galini. An earlier emergency alert had told residents of Krya Vrysi to remain ready to evacuate.
Winds of Force 7 to 8 are affecting the area and making firefighting operations considerably more difficult. Force 7 winds correspond to approximately 50 to 61 km/h (31 to 38 mph), while Force 8 winds can reach around 62 to 74 km/h (39 to 46 mph). Gusts may be even stronger where local terrain accelerates the northerly airflow.
A total of 54 firefighters, three specialist ground teams from the 3rd EMODE unit and 11 vehicles have been deployed to the fire. Four helicopters are supporting suppression efforts from the air, while municipal water tankers from Agios Vasileios are assisting crews on the ground.
Crete was placed under a very high wildfire danger rating, Category 4, on Wednesday. An investigative unit specializing in arson-related incidents has also been activated to determine the cause of the fire.
The blaze is developing as the Meltemi strengthens across the wider Aegean. According to ERTnews meteorologist Nikoleta Ziakopoulou, northerly winds are expected to reach Force 7 across the sea and locally Force 8 between the islands over the coming days.
These conditions are particularly dangerous because they are occurring alongside prolonged dryness and high temperatures. Strong winds can accelerate flame spread, carry burning embers ahead of the main fire front and cause fires to change direction rapidly. They can also make aerial firefighting more difficult or unsafe in exposed locations.
The eastern Aegean, Cyclades, Crete and Dodecanese are expected to experience some of the strongest winds. Northerly winds of Force 6 to 7, locally reaching Force 8, are forecast through Friday and are expected to remain elevated into Saturday.
🔴 Το Λιμενικό Σώμα απεγκλώβισε συνολικά 31 άτομα διά θαλάσσης λόγω της πυρκαγιάς που ξέσπασε στην Κρύα Βρύση στο Ρέθυμνο, την Τετάρτη (29.07).
— NEWS 24/7 (@News247gr) July 29, 2026
🎥 Hellenic Coastguard#Ρεθυμνο #Κρήτη #φωτια pic.twitter.com/VqaSCUijOb
Temperatures will also stay high across much of Greece. Western regions are expected to remain the hottest, with afternoon highs reaching 38 to 39°C (100 to 102°F) in some inland areas.
Across Thessaly, eastern Central Greece, Evia and the eastern Peloponnese, temperatures are forecast to reach 36 to 37°C (97 to 99°F). Exposed eastern areas may also experience winds of Force 6 to 7.
Athens is expected to remain mostly clear, with temperatures reaching around 36°C (97°F). Northerly winds will strengthen to Force 6 and gradually Force 7 in eastern Attica.
The Cyclades should remain somewhat cooler because of the strong wind, with highs near 30°C (86°F). Southern Crete may still reach 33 to 34°C (91 to 93°F), while the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese could see temperatures between 31 and 35°C (88 to 95°F).
Mostly clear conditions are forecast across Greece, with only temporary afternoon cloud development over parts of the mainland. Isolated showers may occur over central and northern mountain areas, but rainfall is not expected to be widespread enough to reduce the broader fire threat.
On Thursday, northerly winds are forecast at Force 4 to 6 across much of Greece and Force 7 to 8 over the Aegean. A similar pattern is expected Friday, with north to northeasterly winds reaching Force 5 to 7 and locally Force 8 over the sea.
The strong winds are expected to persist through Saturday, prolonging dangerous conditions for firefighters and increasing the likelihood that any new ignition could spread rapidly.
Residents and visitors in Crete, the eastern Aegean and other high-risk areas are being urged to follow evacuation instructions and avoid any activity that could produce sparks or open flames.
