×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Sunday
15
Feb 2026
weather symbol
Athens 15°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> Greece

Heat Stress: What the Orange and Yellow “Alerts” mean – How to stay safe

Prolonged high temperatures—even at night—significantly increase health risks. Protective measures are necessary, especially for vulnerable populations

Newsroom July 17 04:46

 

Today, thermal stress on the population is significantly elevated due to high temperatures—locally exceeding 38°C (100.4°F)—even during nighttime hours, according to the National Observatory of Athens.

Heat-Alarm Alerts Across Regions

According to the biometeorological warning system HEAT-ALARM, and as shown in the relevant map, high heat stress and relative risk are expected across much of Macedonia, Thrace, Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Crete, and the Northern Aegean. Very high thermal stress and associated health risks are forecast for most of Thessaly and parts of Eastern Central Greece.

The combination of prolonged heat and lack of cooling during the night greatly increases health risks. For this reason, protective measures are strongly recommended—such as regular cool showers—for all population groups, particularly those most at risk:

  • Elderly people

  • Outdoor workers

  • Children

  • Pregnant women

  • Individuals with chronic illnesses

What the Yellow and Orange Alerts Mean

According to data from the HEAT-ALARM system released by the National Observatory of Athens:

  • High risk (deep yellow) – like in Attica today – implies a danger of serious health issues (e.g., exhaustion) for all population groups.
    Lack of access to an air-conditioned space during the day greatly increases the risk to health.

Recommended precautions by meteo.gr:

  • Limit sun exposure between 10:00 and 16:00

  • Stay hydrated and remain in cool indoor (e.g., air-conditioned rooms) or shaded outdoor spaces (e.g., parks)

  • Schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours, typically 04:00–07:00

  • Ventilate your living space at night by keeping windows open or using fans


Very High Risk (Deep Orange Alert)

This signifies very strong thermal stress. According to the Observatory’s guidelines:

  • Serious health issues like heatstroke may affect all population groups

  • Sun exposure and physical activity (exercise or work) during the day increases health risks

  • Lack of hydration, electrolytes, and body cooling greatly worsens the danger

  • Poor air quality (e.g., increased particulate matter) may exacerbate conditions such as asthma

  • Power outages are possible due to increased electricity demand

Additional safety measures recommended by meteo.gr:

  • Avoid outdoor activity between 10:00 and 16:00

  • Stay hydrated and in cool environments

  • Wear a hat and choose light-colored, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing to reduce radiation absorption

  • Avoid alcohol and heavy meals

    >Related articles

    Traffic restrictions on Attiki Odos due to works – carriageway towards the Airport closed from Elefsina to Aigaleo

    Stunning national record by Greek athlete Roussou in the 1,500 metres

    Weather: storms, gusty winds and African dust – Where conditions will be most severe

  • Take frequent cool showers

  • Block direct sunlight from entering your home (e.g., keep curtains closed during the day)

  • Seek medical advice if you have a chronic illness (e.g., diabetes) or take medications (e.g., heart or blood pressure medications)

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#greece#heat wave#temperature#weather
> More Greece

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Traffic restrictions on Attiki Odos due to works – carriageway towards the Airport closed from Elefsina to Aigaleo

February 15, 2026

Stunning national record by Greek athlete Roussou in the 1,500 metres

February 15, 2026

Weather: storms, gusty winds and African dust – Where conditions will be most severe

February 15, 2026

Owner of Violanta arrested again after charges upgraded to felony – Video

February 14, 2026

Final “no” from the Council of State on the restoration of the 13th and 14th salaries

February 14, 2026

Dr. Ioannis Papafloratos to Proto Thema: An assessment of the Mitsotakis – Erdogan meeting & the state of the Greek-Turkish relations

February 14, 2026

Emergency weather bulletin from the EMY: Storms and gale-force winds expected in 5 regions – African dust to spread across the country

February 14, 2026

Countdown to tax returns: What taxpayers need to check in the pre-filled data

February 14, 2026
All News

> Lifestyle

Emma Stone in a little black dress from Julie de Libran’s runway — and Aquazzura sandals

Floral appliqués were a key motif of the designer’s Spring 2026 couture collection, although none had the dark, almost gothic mood of the one worn by Stone

February 11, 2026

Chris Hemsworth on his marriage proposal to Elsa Pataki: “There was a kind of ‘I don’t have anything better to do right now vibe’

February 11, 2026

Kimberly Guilfoyle will be the maid of honor for Konstantinos Argyros and Alexandra Nika: “It’s an honor and a blessing”

February 9, 2026

Elena Topalidou on working with Nicolas Cage: “When he saw me, he said I stood out

February 8, 2026

Gwyneth Paltrow to Gala: ‘When you have a dream, there is no Plan B

February 6, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα