Greece endures intense heatwave, authorities warn of health risks
Temperatures across Greece have risen to as high as 37 °C, with the western islands experiencing strong north‑easterly winds up to 7 Bft. Seven regions—including Crete, the Aegean and parts of the mainland—have been classified as high‑risk zones for extreme heat.
Experts say the European climate is warming about twice the global average since the 1980s, making heatwaves more frequent and intense. Professor Athanasios Argyris warned that “the recent heat episodes in Europe are driven by a combination of atmospheric conditions and a warming climate,” and that similar events are likely to recur.
Health authorities have identified vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those without adequate cooling. They advise staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat, using cooling spaces and watching for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat‑stroke.
Weather forecasts indicate that after several hot days, cooler air and scattered showers may arrive later in the week, though temperatures will remain above seasonal norms throughout the fifteen‑day period.