Red code alerts for wildfires have been issued for regional units across Greece and a heatwave hotline activated as the country braces for a prolonged heatwave from Monday, August 24.
Several Greek islands are included in the list for increased risk of wildfires.
Under the Civil Protection plan in place and for as long as necessary, seven Friendship Clubs run by the City of Athens will operate as air-conditioned spaces from 9am to 9pm.
Residents of the Greek capital, particularly those with vulnerable health, can contact the 24-hour Citizen Service Line on 1595 or 210 5287800. For medical advice and guidance on preventing and dealing with health problems caused by high temperatures, the “Heatwave Hotline” operated by the Municipal Multipurpose Clinics is available on 210 3638049 daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
Increased risk of wildfires during high temperatures in Greece
Attica and another eleven Regional Units across Greece were placed under “Red Code” mobilisation alert on Monday due to the very high wildfire risk forecast for these areas.
Those are:
- The Region of Attica, including the island of Kythera
- The Regional Units of Phthiotis, Boeotia and Evia, including the island of Skyros, in the Region of Central Greece
- The Regional Units of Corinthia, Argolis and Laconia, in the Region of the Peloponnese
- The Regional Unit of the Cyclades, in the Region of the South Aegean
- The Regional Units of Lesbos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria, in the Region of the North Aegean
According to the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map, the wildfire risk in these areas is expected to be very high, reaching Risk Category 4. Therefore, local authorities were instructed to convene their respective Local Civil Protection Operational Coordination Bodies (TESOPP) and Regional Civil Protection Operational Coordination Bodies (PESOPP) in order to assess preparedness and measures for dealing with risks arising from forest fires.
When a “Red Code” mobilisation level is declared, the services under the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection are placed on full alert, activating and deploying the necessary staff, equipment and resources in line with operational requirements.
Measures are taken to ensure readiness in anticipation of an imminent threat, respond to emergencies and manage the consequences of a disaster, while short-term recovery, assistance and support measures are also set in motion to mitigate its impact.
Prolonged heatwave forecast for Greece
Greece went into a prolonged heatwave on Sunday, August 23, with several more days of intense heat expected and temperatures forecast to stay close to 38 to 40 degrees Celsius (100-104 Fahrenheit) across many areas and climbing as high as 41 to 42C (106-108F) locally.
The National Observatory of Athens’ meteo.gr service expects heatwave conditions to affect much of the country through the middle of the week before any noiceable cooling begins on Thursday.
The intensity will vary considerably by region. Much of Greece will see highs in the upper 30s Celsius, while isolated locations could briefly reach 41 to 42C.
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