Heat wave

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres today called on governments to take specific actions to save lives, stating that humanity is a victim of an “epidemic of extreme heat,” which it has caused itself. This “invisible killer” is responsible for nearly 489,000 deaths annually between 2000 and 2019, compared to 16,000 deaths annually from cyclones.

Despite six stifling days of continuously high temperatures, the latest heatwave in Greece is far from over, meteorologists and the National Public Health Organization (EODY) warned on Friday, advising the public to exercise caution and take precautions.

The heatwave continues its onslaught, even more intense now, as the Emergency Weather Bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) and meteorologists indicates that the unusually high temperatures will persist until July 22.

A particularly hot week awaits us, although the intense heat has already begun in the past few days. Meteorologists have been warning for days about a lasting heatwave and very high temperatures, while EMY, in its special bulletin, says that temperatures will remain high at least until Friday 19/7.

Facing oven-like temperatures, those navigating Athens during the summer months endure extreme heat daily.

Authorities have warned of an impending weeklong heat wave during the summer tourist season, with a high risk of dangerous wildfires, as much of southern Europe swelters under high temperatures.

The Ministry for Civil Protection and Climate Change said southwesterly winds from Africa would bring temperatures sometimes exceeding 40C at least until July 19.

The weather seems to have gone mad, as while almost all over the country yesterday the mercury had “hit red” with several areas seeing 40s, in Ioannina within two hours the temperature dropped 16ᵒC and the humidity reached 99%, while the storm that hit the area knocked down trees and columns.

A storm hit Ioannina at noon on Thursday (11/7), causing a sharp drop in temperature and a simultaneous rise in humidity.

Weather alerts, forest fires, melting pavement in cities: A sizzling heat wave has sent temperatures in parts of central and southern Europe soaring toward 40C in some places.

From Italy to Romania, authorities warned people to be cautious, drive carefully if going on holiday, drink plenty of water and avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day.

As a week-long heatwave continued on Thursday, authorities have issued a fire hazard warning for Friday.

According to the prediction map published by the Civil Protection Agency, two regions are considered to be at very high risk of wildfires, ranking at Level 4 (orange) out of a maximum of 5: They are Evros and Rodopi, in northeastern Greece.