Turkey and Greece brace for hot temperatures
In the sunny Mediterranean area, people are advised to brace themselves for temperatures rising frequently above 40 degrees. Both Greece and Turkey are about to experience some seriously high temperatures in the upcoming days. The fire department is keeping a watchful eye out for potential wildfires.
A stream of warm air spreads out from North Africa and the central Mediterranean, making its way eastward, leading to temps of an amazing 45 degrees in Greece and Turkey until Friday. The hottest moments are predicted to take place on Wednesday and Thursday, after which the heat is expected to cool off by the weekend, according to the Greek weather service.
The fire department issued a high to very high forest fire risk alert for Wednesday. Areas in Central Greece, along with parts of the Peloponnese and Crete, are particularly vulnerable.
Schools in Greece might close by 11:30 am or even remain closed entirely, depending on the local municipality's decision. The Ministry of Labor implores both public and private workers to work from home if possible. Meanwhile, the vast number of tourists in Athens can find assistance at the central Syntagma Square and on the Acropolis, where employees distribute free water.
Turkey Readies 26 Firefighting Aircraft for Standby
Vital advice that circulates: steer clear of the scorching midday heat outdoors, consume ample water, steer clear of alcohol, eat lightly, and refrain from partaking in outdoor sports. Cities and municipalities throughout Greece are opening their air-conditioned public spaces for the homeless, less fortunate, and those without accommodations featuring cool indoor temperatures.
The Turkish meteorological service also cautioned against the heatwave, predicting temps reaching up to 45 degrees, predominantly in the western region of Turkey. The citizens are advised to stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm, especially seniors, children, and those with chronic illnesses. Due to the high risk of wildfires, an estimated 26 firefighting aircraft, drones, and helicopters are on standby. In the southern Turkish holiday resort of Antalya, a bushfire has been effectively extinguished.
