Athens: Southern Europe is in the throes of yet another punishing heatwave, as temperatures across Greece and several Balkan nations soar beyond 40°C, marking the third major heat event of this summer. The blistering heat, exacerbated by climate change, has not only disrupted daily life but also triggered emergency precautions to safeguard citizens, tourists, and essential workers.
In Greece, where the mercury climbed to 43°C (109°F) in some regions, authorities have enacted strict safety measures. Outdoor laborers including construction workers, delivery personnel, and couriers have been instructed to suspend all activity between 12 noon and 5 p.m. This mandatory work pause is aimed at reducing the risk of heatstroke and related illnesses. Additionally, employees with underlying health conditions or vulnerabilities have been permitted to work from home during this intense weather episode.
Even ceremonial customs have been affected. In the capital, Athens, the elite Evzones guards at the Hellenic Parliament known for their traditional uniform and rigid posture were seen taking necessary breaks, as soldiers fanned them to keep body temperatures down.
Tourism, a vital part of Greece’s economy, has also taken a hit. Visitors are retreating from open-air heritage sites and bustling city streets into air-conditioned shops, restaurants, and hotel lobbies. One of the most visited landmarks, the Acropolis, was temporarily shut to the public for several hours over consecutive days, as authorities feared the extreme heat could prove dangerous to visitors ascending the exposed limestone citadel.
The heatwave’s reach has extended beyond Greece, enveloping much of the Balkans. In Albania, Montenegro, and Bulgaria, similar measures have been adopted. Local governments are distributing drinking water in public squares, advising residents to stay indoors during the hottest hours, and mobilizing firefighters to manage wildfires sparked by the dry, scorching conditions. In Albania’s northern and southwestern regions, wildfires have broken out near protected parklands and villages such as Dukat. Assistance, including firefighting aircraft, has been dispatched from neighboring countries, including Italy and Greece, as blazes continue to threaten homes and natural reserves.
Meteorologists forecast that the heatwave will persist through the weekend, bringing no immediate relief. Experts warn that these recurrent, prolonged spells of extreme heat are no longer anomalies but part of a broader, more alarming climate trend. The year 2024 was recorded as the hottest globally, with average global temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
In Greece, environmental scientists have observed worrying secondary effects. Areas around Athens that suffered vegetation loss from previous wildfires are experiencing soil temperatures up to 10°C higher than surrounding green spaces. The absence of tree cover not only contributes to the urban heat island effect but also raises the risk of future fires.
Public health officials across the region are urging people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and follow advisories issued by local authorities. As Europe braces for what could be the hottest summer on record, the current heatwave is a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and adaptive infrastructure.