Greece Faces Intense Heatwave with Temperatures Set to Reach 42°C

Photo source: Municipality of Athens

Greek authorities have issued a high alert warning for an imminent heatwave, expected to begin on Tuesday, June 11, with temperatures forecasted to rise up to 42 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Source: EMY

On Monday, Greece’s National Meteorological Service (ΕΜΥ) released an “orange” emergency bulletin predicting severe weather conditions from Tuesday, June 11, to Friday, June 14.

According to Thodoris Kolidas, the head of EMY, the state of emergency will be in effect starting Tuesday, with temperatures peaking on Wednesday and Thursday.

From Friday, temperatures are expected to drop, with a noticeable decline over the weekend due to stronger northerly winds.

Athens’ Heat Line

Following the announcement of the country’s heatwave, the Municipality of Athens said that citizens, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups, can contact the 24-hour Citizen Service Line 1595 (fees may vary depending on the provider), or the “Heat Line” of the Municipal Clinics at 210 3638049. Assistance and guidance on coping with heat-related health issues are available daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Press here for tips on staying safe during the heatwave.

High wildfire risk

Speaking to the media on Monday, Greece’s Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, warned that the heat will peak on Wednesday and Thursday, also highlighting a high wildfire risk.

Kikilias indicated that Greece’s wildfire risk warning will be elevated to a “very high” level of four on a scale of five.

Greece’s wildfire prediction map for Tuesday (seen below) shows a very high fire risk in the areas of Attica, Viotia, Fthiotida, Fokida, and Corinthia.

Source: Ministry for Climate Crisis & Civil Protection