Hot air pressure coming from the African coast is expected to raise temperatures in Greece today. Temperatures will climb to 100.4 degrees F (38C) in East Epirus, and around 102.2 degrees F (39C) and 104 degrees F (40C) locally.
Temperatures will hit red, particularly in Western Greece with a small heatwave beginning on Thursday that may expand to the east and south of Greece. The heatwave will be felt mainly by residents of Thessaly, east mainland Greece, including Attiki where Athens is located, the Peloponnese, the Cycladic islands, the Dodecanese and Crete.

The weather will cool down on Friday afternoon and return to normal on the weekend.

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection has issued warnings for the heatwave:

•    Αvoid sunbathing. Remain in shadowy and cool places avoiding crowded places.

•    Avoid the heavy physical work, particularly in places with high temperature, and great humidity. Avoid walking for a long period of time or running under the sun.

•    Prefer the light, comfortable and light colored clothing from porous material in order to facilitate the airing of the body and the vaporization of sweat. Wear a hat or another head gear from natural material that permits the good airing of head.

•    Prefer the small and light meals, with emphasis on fruits and vegetables and cut down the fatty foods.

•    Drink a great amount of liquids (water and fruit-squashes). If sweating is intense, it is recommended additional receiving of salt in order to keep the level of liquids in the constitution.

•    Avoid alcoholic drinks.

•    Have many lukewarm showers during the day. It will be good also to put wet covers on head and neck, as protective measures. Wear black or dark colored glasses which protect the eyes from the intense reflection of sun.

•    Consult your doctor for the application of special instructions for those who suffer from chronic diseases (respiratory, heart-vascular etc).

•    For those who take medicines have ask their doctor if they must continue them in their usual dosage as some of them increase the temperature of the body.

•    Avoid long-lasting travels with the various means of transport, during the high heat.