ATHENS (dpa-AFX) — People across Greece are sweltering under the season’s first major heatwave. According to the meteorological office, thermometers are expected to soar to as high as 42 degrees Celsius in many regions over the coming days. Even in the early hours of Friday morning, some areas already recorded temperatures of 36 degrees. With the ongoing drought, the risk of wildfires remains high throughout much of the country.
Crete Spared from Extreme Heat
The main tourist islands of the southern Aegean, including Crete, are largely being spared from the worst of the heat. Thanks to the sea breeze, temperatures there are up to 6 degrees lower than on the mainland, the weather service reported.
Despite the soaring temperatures, long queues were already forming in the morning at the entrance to Athens’ most famous landmark, the Acropolis. “We have a hat, plenty of water, and we want to go up,” an Australian tourist told Greek television.
Night Temperatures Above 30 Degrees Strain the Body
In Athens and other cities, nighttime temperatures are not dropping below 30 degrees. Doctors are warning that this poses a serious health risk. Sleep is disrupted, people sweat profusely, and the body cannot recover, they explain. Greek media are repeatedly advising elderly and ill individuals in particular to seek out shady and air-conditioned places. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided, and plenty of water should be consumed instead.
Over 28,000 Emergency Personnel on High Alert
Firefighters, with the massive use of firefighting planes and helicopters, managed to extinguish a blaze on Thursday that broke out about 60 kilometers southwest of Athens due to a faulty cable belonging to the public electricity company (DEI). According to Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis, who spoke to news broadcaster Skai, 13 holiday homes were damaged or destroyed in the fire.
The minister added that all firefighting forces and volunteers — totaling more than 28,000 people — are on high alert in the coming days. Strong local winds are expected to pick up during the day, and in combination with the dry and hot conditions, even the smallest spark could quickly turn into a major wildfire.
