The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record for Greece, according to a scientific team of the National Observatory of Athens/meteo.gr.
The preliminary meteorological data analyzed by G. Kyros, S. Dafis, K. Lagouvardos, prove that the summer of 2024 in Greece was characterized by long periods with high temperature values for many days, far exceeding the normal temperatures for the season in the whole country.
June and July 2024 were recorded as the warmest on record for Greece, while August was the 2nd warmest behind August 2021.
Specifically, the average temperature for the summer period (June, July, August) from 1960 to 2024, in the whole of Greece, it exceeded by +2.9°C the average value of the period 1991-2020 and by +1°C the previous warmest summer of 2012.
In areas of Western and Northern Greece the average temperature for the summer of 2024 varied by 2-3°C (up to +4°C in some areas) above the average value of the period 1991-2020, in the rest of the country by 1-2°C, while in none point of Greece the deviation of the average temperature did not fall below +1.4°C.
The lowest positive deviations were noted in the Aegean region due to the effect of the melt.
And as if all that weren’t enough, Greece is also going through its worst fire season in two decades, facing nearly 4,000 fires since May 1, Bloomberg reports.
The agency notes that forest fires have always plagued Greecehowever they have now become a summer staple across southern Europe as climate change creates more extreme weather.
In the last five years, Greece increased the number of firefighting planes and helicopters to 89 from 61. The “112” emergency number was operational as soon as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took office in 2019, Bloomberg notes, adding that in August the government announced €4.3 billion in measures to combat the effects of climate change, with some initiatives aimed at protecting forests and reducing fire risks.
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Table of Contents
The Summer of 2024: Greece’s Hottest on Record
According to recent reports from the European Union’s climate monitor, Greece has just experienced its hottest summer on record, surpassing last year’s record-breaking temperatures [[1]]. The summer of 2024 saw unprecedented heat waves, with temperatures soaring to new heights across the country.
June and July: The Warmest on Record
June and July 2024 were recorded as the warmest on record for Greece, with August coming in as the second warmest behind August 2021 [[2]]. The preliminary meteorological data analyzed by G. Kyros, S. Dafis, and K. Lagouvardos from the National Observatory of Athens/meteo.gr revealed that the summer of 2024 was characterized by long periods of high temperature values, far exceeding the normal temperatures for the season in the whole country.
Average Temperature: A New High
Specifically, the average temperature for the summer period (June, July, August) from 1960 to 2024, in the whole of Greece, exceeded by +2.9°C the average value of the period 1991-2020 and by +1°C the previous warmest summer of 2012 [[3]]. This significant deviation from the norm has severe implications for the country’s climate and ecosystems.
Regional Variations
In areas of Western and Northern Greece, the average temperature for the summer of 2024 varied by 2-3°C (up to +4°C in some areas) above the average value of the period 1991-2020. In the rest of the country, the deviation was around 1-2°C, while in none point of Greece did the deviation fall below +1.4°C. The Aegean region experienced the lowest positive deviations due to the effect of the melt.
Worst Fire Season in Two Decades
Unfortunately, the record-breaking heat has also led to Greece’s worst fire season in two decades, with nearly 4,000 fires reported since May 1, according to Bloomberg. The agency notes that forest fires have always plagued Greece; however, the severity and frequency of these events are increasing due to climate change.
Implications and Consequences
The unprecedented heat and wildfires have severe implications for Greece’s environment, economy, and public health. The country’s agricultural sector, tourism industry, and infrastructure are all vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Moreover, the increased risk of wildfires poses a significant threat to human life, property, and biodiversity.
Conclusion
the summer of 2024 has been declared the hottest on record for Greece, with temperatures reaching new heights and severe consequences for the country’s climate, environment, and economy. It is essential for policymakers, scientists, and citizens to work together to mitigate the effects of climate change and develop sustainable solutions to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for Greece.
References:
What were the average temperatures recorded in Greece during the summer of 2024 compared to previous years?
The Summer of 2024: Greece’s Hottest on Record
According to recent reports from the European Union’s climate monitor, Greece has just experienced its hottest summer on record, surpassing last year’s record-breaking temperatures [[1]]. The summer of 2024 saw unprecedented heat waves, with temperatures soaring to new heights across the country.
June and July: The Warmest on Record
June and July 2024 were recorded as the warmest on record for Greece, with August coming in as the second warmest behind August 2021 [[2]]. The preliminary meteorological data analyzed by G. Kyros, S. Dafis, and K. Lagouvardos from the National Observatory of Athens/meteo.gr revealed that the summer of 2024 was characterized by long periods of high temperature values, far exceeding the normal temperatures for the season in the whole country.
Average Temperature: A New High
Specifically, the average temperature for the summer period (June, July, August) from 1960 to 2024, in the whole of Greece, exceeded by +2.9°C the average value of the period 1991-2020 and by +1°C the previous warmest summer of 2012 [[3]]. This significant deviation from the norm has severe implications for the country’s climate and ecosystems.
Regional Variations
In areas of Western and Northern Greece, the average temperature for the summer of 2024 varied by 2-3°C (up to +4°C in some areas) above the average value of the period 1991-2020. In the rest of the country, the deviation was around 1-2°C, while in none point of Greece did the deviation fall below +1.4°C. The Aegean region experienced the lowest positive deviations due to the effect of the melt.
Worst Fire Season in Two Decades
Unfortunately, the record-breaking heat has also led to Greece’s worst fire season in two decades, with nearly 4,000 fires reported since May 1, according to Bloomberg. The agency notes that forest fires have always plagued Greece; however, the