Friday is expected to be the hottest day as temperatures around the country are expected to hit “red”, reaching as high as 41C. Mostly fair weather, with high temperatures and variable winds are forecast. Wind velocity will reach 6 Beaufort. In the northern parts of the country, temperatures will range from 18C to 39C. In central and southern parts of the countries temperatures will be between 20C and go as high as 41C in some areas. Fair weather is expected around the islands from 25C to 38C.

In Athens, the weather is fair from 25C to 39C and possibly 40C in some suburbs. Fair weather in Thessaloniki also with temperatures from 23C to 38C and a possibility of 39C for some regions.

Areas most affected by the heatwave are expected to be Macedonia , Thessaly, a large part of the Peloponnese and Eastern Central Greece. High temperatures will be noted in South Crete and eastern Rhodes.

Regions with air-conditioned halls

Six air-conditioned halls around Athens and Piraeus are operating at so-called Friendship Centers at Agios Pavlos, Koukaki, Neos Kosmos, Ambelokipi, Kato Petralona and Kolokynthos. On Friday, these are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Department of Social Solidarity and Health of the Municipality of Athens on 210-521 0702 and 210-521 0635.

The Municipality has requested the aid of citizens to refill empty water buckets for stray animals and dozens of areas around Greece.

In Piraeus, the social friendship centers (KAPI) for people will remain open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. to provide an air-conditioned area for senior citizens. Call 210-451 1216, 210-451 1385 for more info.

The Health Ministry’s Advice
* avoid going out in the sun
* find a cool and shady place
* wear light-colored and light clothing and have a hat or parasole handy
* avoid hard and tyring physical work
* eat properly and drink lots of water and juices, avoid alcohol and a high-calorie diet
* babies should be given regular showers

High-risk groups
* People aged over 65 should be careful
* People who suffer from chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, etc. should be careful
* People who take medicine for chronic illness should seek medical advice regarding alterations to their doses during the heatwave