Greece Faces Extended Heatwave as Temperatures Reach Near-Record Levels
Week-long heatwave expected to continue beyond this week, with temperatures nearing 46C in certain regions.
A week-long heatwave gripping Greece since Monday is now anticipated to extend further, according to the country’s weather service.
The highest temperature recorded thus far was 45.8C in the Peloponnese region of Messinia.
In Athens, areas such as the main port of Piraeus experienced temperatures reaching 42C.
Due to safety concerns for visitors and staff, the Acropolis has been closed from midday to 5:00 p.m., a standard measure during extreme heat.
The Greek Meteorological Service (EMY) has updated its warning, now expecting temperatures to begin a gradual decline after July 28, initially forecasted for the weekend.
The shift in timing is attributed to northern winds expected to pick up on Friday, increasing the risk of fires.
Earlier this week, a wildfire devastated over 2,800 acres (1,130 hectares) of forest and grassland near Feneos in the Peloponnese, allegedly ignited by welding equipment.
Approximately half of the affected area was composed of non-regenerating pine forests, according to the National Observatory.
Additionally, fires have forced the evacuation of a university, homes, and businesses in Kilkis, northern Greece, due to high temperatures expected to peak at 44C on Saturday, with Athens seeing a maximum of 42C.
Neighboring Albania is battling 10 active fires, including one near the Greek border in Delvina, while a fire in Kakavia was brought under control on Thursday.
The highest temperature recorded thus far was 45.8C in the Peloponnese region of Messinia.
In Athens, areas such as the main port of Piraeus experienced temperatures reaching 42C.
Due to safety concerns for visitors and staff, the Acropolis has been closed from midday to 5:00 p.m., a standard measure during extreme heat.
The Greek Meteorological Service (EMY) has updated its warning, now expecting temperatures to begin a gradual decline after July 28, initially forecasted for the weekend.
The shift in timing is attributed to northern winds expected to pick up on Friday, increasing the risk of fires.
Earlier this week, a wildfire devastated over 2,800 acres (1,130 hectares) of forest and grassland near Feneos in the Peloponnese, allegedly ignited by welding equipment.
Approximately half of the affected area was composed of non-regenerating pine forests, according to the National Observatory.
Additionally, fires have forced the evacuation of a university, homes, and businesses in Kilkis, northern Greece, due to high temperatures expected to peak at 44C on Saturday, with Athens seeing a maximum of 42C.
Neighboring Albania is battling 10 active fires, including one near the Greek border in Delvina, while a fire in Kakavia was brought under control on Thursday.
