tourism

Strongest Meltemia in 15 Years Fuels Deadly Fire in Rethymno

Monday, 3 August 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

A powerful meltemia wind event struck Crete on the day a deadly fire started, with gusts reaching 111 kilometers per hour in Rethymno. The meltemia is a strong seasonal northern wind that occurs approximately once every 15 years at this intensity, creating dangerous conditions for both firefighting efforts and residents. Wind speeds of this magnitude significantly complicate wildfire containment by rapidly spreading flames across terrain. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during meltemia events, particularly regarding fire risk in forested areas and remote regions. Authorities recommend staying informed of weather alerts and fire warnings during the peak fire season (June-September) when conditions are most critical. If in the area during such events, follow evacuation orders and avoid outdoor activities in affected zones.

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