Tourists put on highest red alert over ‘hellish’ heatwave hitting Europe
Meteorologists have warned that temperatures are unlikely to drop before the end of July.
Tourists heading to soak up the sun in Greece have been warned about an ‘irreversible’ and ‘historical’ heatwave.
Greece has been experiencing its most severe wildfire risk in two decades, with some reservoirs hitting their lowest levels in 10 years – and flames are spreading again this year in the intense heat.
The Acropolis, the country’s top cultural attraction, was forced to shut midday Wednesday as the mercury soared.
Meteorologists have warned that temperatures – already hitting 46°C in parts of the country – are unlikely to drop before the end of July.
Tourists have been told to stay indoors due to the temperatures.
Daily, temperatures will hit 33-34°C, with head indexes likely to feel much hotter.
Experts have said records will be broken with this year’s heat. Last year, hotels and entire islands were evacuated after wildfires broke out due to the heat.
Greece has been experiencing its second heatwave of the summer over the last week, which has brought forest fires and 43C (109F) temperatures.
Holiday operators say anyone affected by the wildfires should follow the guidance of their hotels and local officials and alert them if they have been evacuated.
The UK Foreign Office does not currently advise against travelling to Greece but warns that ‘wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable’.
Kos mayor Theodosis Nikitaras said evacuees faced an ‘extremely difficult’ night, sharing a photograph of hundreds of people sleeping inside a football stadium in Antimachia on Facebook.
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