The searing heat in the Aegean Sea is at its height.

Current Climate Conditions - The searing heat in the Aegean Sea is at its height.

A scorching heatwave has been wreaking havoc on people in Greece and Turkey for the past three days. According to the Greek meteorological service, temperatures as high as 45 degrees are predicted in central Greece and on the Peloponnese Peninsula during afternoons in the coming days. "This is certain to be the hardest day of this heatwave," declared a representative from the meteorological service during radio broadcasts. Thermometers in Athens displayed 33 degrees as early as 9:00 am.

The Acropolis, an iconic symbol of Athens, shut down during the hottest hours of Wednesday. The Greek Culture Ministry mandated the closure of all ancient sites in the greater Athens region between noon and 5:00 pm. Daycare centers and elementary schools were shut in different parts of the country for the second day in a row. Many individuals worked from home; construction work was almost completely halted due to the heat. Doctors advised senior citizens or those with health issues to remain indoors.

Soaring temperatures anticipated

The Turkish Aegean coast already exceeded 30 degrees Celsius in the morning. The Turkish state news agency Anadolu reported a record temperature of 44.6 degrees in the western Turkish province of Aydin on Wednesday. The province of Aydin has not experienced temperatures this hot in June since 1938.

The meteorological services of both countries predict that this brief heatwave will come to an end over the weekend. Rain is anticipated in northern Greece on Friday, followed by northerly winds. This will cause a dramatic drop in temperatures. However, the Greek Civil Protection sounded the alarm on Thursday, stating that the wind will raise the risk of fires.

Read also:

1. Despite the ongoing heatwave, the Tourism Bureau in Athens urges visitors to explore Central Greece, assuring them of appropriate cooling facilities at major attractions such as the Acropolis.
2. Amid the heatwave, the Weather Office in Ankara encourages Turks to stay hydrated and seek shaded areas, advising against prolonged exposure to the sun during the day.
3. Many tourists, undeterred by the heatwave, choose to explore the Aegean Sea's crystal-clear waters and coastal attractions, taking advantage of beaches less crowded due to the high temperatures.
4. The Culture Minister of Greece recognizes the impact of the heatwave on local wildlife and stresses the importance of preserving green spaces and wildlife refuges in the Peloponnese during these scorching days.
5. Travel agencies in Greece and Turkey offer special discounts and alternative plans, like early morning tours or guided indoor activities, to attract locals and tourists who wish to beat the heat.
6. As Turkey prepares for potential relief from the heatwave, officials in Istanbul suggest organizing outdoor events to strengthen partnerships with neighboring countries, particularly in light of the remaining days of the Euro 2024 qualifiers scheduled to take place in various Turkish cities.

• Severe flooding continues in southern Germany.
• Floods continue to pose a major threat in southern Germany.
• Rising floods in the southern regions
• Floods: water levels remain critical in many places