Powerful northerly winds are expected to continue across Greece, maintaining dangerous conditions and raising the risk of wildfires, meteorologists said Wednesday.
The strong seasonal winds, known as the meltemi, are sweeping across the Aegean, with gusts reaching gale-force levels in several areas.
The strongest conditions have been recorded in southern Crete, where winds have reached up to 100 kilometers per hour, or force 10-11 on the Beaufort scale, as air currents accelerate through the island’s mountainous terrain.
Winds of up to 8 Beaufort, with stronger gusts, are affecting much of the Aegean, from the northern island of Lemnos to Kythira, as well as parts of eastern mainland Greece.
Meteorologists said the winds may weaken slightly overnight but are expected to remain strong, with no significant improvement immediately forecast.
