Greece is going through another intense heat wave, with temperatures in some areas exceeding the 40-degree mark. Weather forecasts indicate that the episode will not end quickly and that even the beginning of September may bring temperatures above the seasonal average.
Above 40 degrees in some regions
High temperatures have affected several parts of the country, while in some areas the thermometer has climbed to 41 and 42 degrees Celsius.
On Saturday, the highest temperature was recorded in Trikala at 40.7 degrees, while temperatures above 40 degrees were also registered in other areas of Thessaly and in Central Greece.
Air masses warmer than normal
According to weather forecasts, the air masses that have arrived over Greece are 6 to 8 degrees warmer than normal for this period.
The heat wave is expected to last at least until the middle of next week, while Sunday is considered one of the most difficult days of this episode.
Athens, Thessaloniki and the most exposed regions
In Thessaly and Central Macedonia, temperatures are expected to range between 39 and 40 degrees. In Athens, around 38 degrees are forecast, while in Thessaloniki 37 to 38 degrees are expected.
From Monday, a slight easing of temperatures is expected in the north and east of the country due to strengthening northerly winds. However, in Western Greece and the Peloponnese, the situation is expected to remain more severe, with Monday and Tuesday likely to be the hottest days.
Measures and warnings for citizens
Authorities have urged the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses to avoid going out in the sun during midday hours and to drink as much water as possible.
According to official announcements, municipalities have opened air-conditioned halls for people who need temporary shelter from the extreme temperatures.
September may also arrive hotter than usual
A more noticeable drop in temperatures is expected from Thursday, when northerly winds in the Aegean may reach up to force 7.
However, meteorologists do not rule out another temporary rise in temperatures next weekend. Forecasts also point to a September with temperatures 2 to 3 degrees above typical seasonal values.
For the neighboring country, this means the pressure of the heat is not remaining simply a several-day episode, but a situation that is being prolonged and is testing coping capacity in some regions.
If the forecasts are confirmed, the end of August and the start of September are expected to remain under the influence of high temperatures.