Kostas Lagouvardos

The number of fires increased ominously by more than 20% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Fire Department.

More specifically, 3,543 forest fires erupted between January 1 to May 1, compared to 2,907 in the corresponding period last year.

Greece experienced 3,543 wildfires between January 1 and May 1, a rise of 22% compared to last year's 2,907 blazes, according to the Fire Service, which is bracing for a very difficult season. 

The highest concentrations of African dust were recorded in southern Greece on Thursday, according to the National Observatory of Athens. 

The concentrations of PM10 particles exceeded 180 μg/m³ at noon and then gradually started decreasing. 

Year after year, the pressure increases. On the one hand, there is the explosive growth of tourism, followed by an increase in consumption; on the other, there is drought. The small Aegean islands are preparing for the start of the tourist season with their reservoirs empty, their boreholes pumping brackish water, and an increasing dependence on desalination.

Several Cyclades islands are among the most popular destinations in Greece. They are also running out of water.

It's not just the increased consumption that the crowds of visitors bring. The islands are going through a period of drought. 

Rain pounded many parts of Greece on Friday, with Arkadia, Ilia and Achaia in the Peloponnese recording the highest volume of water, according to meteo.gr. 

"Strong winds were also recorded in areas of the Peloponnese, such as Pylos and Kalamata," Dr Kostas Lagouvardos, director of research at the National Observatory of Athens, told Kathimerini. 

Mount Pelion, a densely wooded mountain range in the prefecture of Magnesia, has seen "unreal" levels of rain as a heavy thunderstorm dubbed Daniel is sweeping through the region, the National Observatory of Athens' chief meteorologist said on Tuesday.

Despite the fact that Greece experienced a relatively mild June, the high temperatures recorded internationally and in Europe are raising concerns. "When the whole planet is warming up, sooner or later the circulation of systems will change and the warm air masses will reach Greece.

May was uncharacteristically chilly this year and many part of the country experienced rain on half of the month's days, while short-term forecasts point to wet and cooler days in the first part of June as well.

Greece will be hit by a low pressure system, named Medea by the Athens Astronomical Observatory, which is expected to bring snowfall, even at low altitudes, from the central region of Thessaly southward.