"Polarized Meltemi": Rare Wind Pattern Fueled Deadly Greek Wildfires, Meteorologist Says

A rare and unusually persistent wind pattern known as a "polarized meltemi" was a key factor behind the wildfires that devastated Western Attica in recent days, grounding firefighting aircraft and killing five firefighters, meteorologist Theodoris Kolydas has said in an analysis posted on X and his website.

Greece's seasonal meltemi winds — strong northerly gusts common in the second half of July and early August — occasionally intensify into what Greek meteorological literature, dating to a 1959 study by Konstantakopoulos, describes as a "polarized meltemi."

Mr. Kolydas explained that in these episodes, atmospheric circulation organizes in a way that makes northerly winds stronger, deeper into the troposphere, and significantly more persistent than usual.

Wind gusts during the late-July episode exceeded 72 km/h, ranking it among the strongest such events in nearly five decades, according to Mr. Kolydas.

He said the wind's extended duration — sustained over several consecutive days — was even more significant than its peak intensity, fundamentally altering temperature patterns across eastern Greece.

While a polarized meltemi can act as a natural cooling mechanism, tempering peak temperatures even during periods of hot air transport from North Africa, Mr. Kolydas warned it also creates serious hazards, complicating maritime navigation and dramatically increasing the risk of rapid wildfire spread.

"Understanding and early recognition of this phenomenon is a valuable tool both for weather forecasting and for civil protection and maritime activities," he said.

Separately, Meteo reported wind gusts reaching 130 km/h in Karystos on Friday, with strong gusts also recorded near Mount Penteli.

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