Turkey and Greece brace for a major heatwave.
Temperatures are set to soar over 40 degrees in the Mediterranean, with Greece and Turkey bracing for extreme heat. Forest fire risks are high, meaning the fire department is on high alert.
Air masses warming up over North Africa and the central Mediterranean are set to move east, resulting in temperatures of up to 45 degrees in Greece and Turkey until Friday. The hottest days are predicted to be Wednesday and Thursday, before cooling off over the weekend, according to the Greek meteorological service.
The fire department has issued a warning about high to very high forest fire risk on Wednesday, especially in central Greece, along with parts of the Peloponnese and Crete.
Schools in Greece might close by 11:30 AM or remain closed altogether. This decision lies with the local authorities. The Labor Ministry advises those in the public and private sectors to work from home if possible. For the numerous tourists in Athens, the Greek Red Cross has established cooling stations at Syntagma Square and the Acropolis, also providing free water.
Turkey readies 26 firefighting aircraft
In Turkey, people are to stay out of the sun from 11 AM to 4 PM, especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions. The Turkish Meteorological Service forecasts temperatures up to 45 degrees, predominantly in the western part of the country. Authorities have deployed 26 firefighting aircraft, drones, and helicopters, as forest fire risks increase. A bushfire in the southern Turkish resort of Antalya has already been contained.
It's crucial to avoid being outside during midday, drink plenty of water, refrain from alcohol consumption, eat lightly, and avoid outdoor sports. For those without access to air conditioning and other vulnerable populations, many Greek cities are offering access to public, air-conditioned buildings as a means of escape from the intense heat.
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In response to the impending heatwave, the International Red Cross is offering assistance to both Turkey and Greece, providing resources to help combat the rising temperatures.
Given the heightened risk of forest fires during the heatwave, international cooperation between the fire departments of Turkey and Greece is crucial to effectively manage and extinguish any outbreaks.
