The maps are produced daily using the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) numerical weather prediction model. Forecasts cover a three-day horizon, are updated twice daily (14:00 and 02:00 UTC+2/3) and have a horizontal resolution of 10x10 km over Europe and 2x2 km over Greece.
The buttons at the top of the menu let you switch between the two domains (Greece and Europe). The European domain additionally includes synoptic-scale maps (e.g. geopotential height, upper-level wind) under Hourly Forecasts.
Fire danger is estimated using the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System (CFFWIS1987). For Greece, its thresholds have been adapted based on past fire activity data. Forecast maps are provided for the sub-indices: FWI (Fire Weather Index — overall danger), DSR (Daily Severity Rating — control difficulty), FFMC (Fine Fuel Moisture Code — ease of ignition) and ISI (Initial Spread Index — spread rate).
Temperature (°C): Temperature affects the moisture content of fine (1h, 10h) dead fuels. Higher temperatures (hot weather) make it easier for fuels to ignite and for fire to spread quickly.
Relative Humidity (%): Relative humidity also affects the moisture content of fine (1h, 10h) dead fuels. Generally, when relative humidity drops below 20%, fine dead fuels dry out faster and become flammable. Under these conditions, fire ignition and rapid spread are facilitated.
Vapor Pressure Deficit (hPa): Vapor pressure deficit is a measure of atmospheric dryness. Higher values indicate drier atmospheric conditions, which facilitate the ignition of fuels and often significantly increase fire intensity.
Wind Speed (km/h): Wind is perhaps the meteorological parameter with the greatest influence on the spread and behaviour of a wildfire. It supplies oxygen to the fire, drives the flames, and contributes to its rapid spread.
Dead Fuel Moisture Content (%): The estimated (based on temperature and humidity) minimum moisture content of fine (1h, 10h) dead fuels is a measure of how easily the landscape can ignite. Generally, moisture content values below 10% indicate critically flammable fuels.
Hot-Dry-Windy Index (HDW): The Hot-Dry-Windy index quantifies the combined effect of hot, dry and windy weather on wildfire spread and behaviour. Higher index values correspond to conditions under which a wildfire spreads rapidly and often exhibits extreme fire behaviour.
The menu on the left lets you select a region (Greece, Europe), a category (Fire Danger, Fire Weather Variables), a variable, and a forecast day or hour. To move quickly between days or hours, use the ← and → keys on your keyboard.
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