The General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection is once again calling on citizens to be particularly careful and take self-protection measures against risks arising from the high temperatures plaguing the country. Regional authorities and municipalities have been notified by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection, as well as relevant state services, to be on increased civil protection readiness to immediately address the impacts of the approaching heat wave.
Civil protection recommendations: How to handle high temperatures
Specifically, in areas where high temperatures are expected to prevail, attention is drawn to individuals belonging to vulnerable groups to be particularly careful, so as to avoid health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
More specifically, according to self-protection guidelines for high temperatures, citizens are advised to:
- Stay in cool and shaded spaces away from crowds, use air conditioning or fans, and avoid heavy physical work in spaces with high temperature, no wind, and high humidity.
- Avoid sunbathing, as well as walking or running under the sun, and wear hats and sunglasses and light-colored clothing made from fabric that allows the skin to breathe and facilitates sweat evaporation, avoiding synthetic fabrics.
- Consume light meals with fruits and vegetables, limiting fats and the amount of food.
- Drink plenty of water and fruit juices, avoiding alcoholic beverages.
It is noted that particular care is recommended for babies and small children, as well as elderly people and those suffering from chronic diseases for their protection from high temperatures.
For more information and self-protection guidelines from high temperatures, citizens can visit the General Secretariat of Civil Protection website at civilprotection.gov.gr and the Ministry of Health document “Prevention of effects from high temperatures and heat waves” (https://diavgeia.gov.gr/doc/9%CE%992%CE%A9465%CE%A6%CE%A5%CE%9F-%CE%A8%CE%947?inline=true)
Specific issues concerning the prevention of thermal stress for workers are provided in the Ministry of Labor & Social Insurance document “Prevention of thermal stress for workers” (https://diavgeia.gov.gr/doc/%CE%A1%CE%931%CE%9D46%CE%9D%CE%9B%CE%94%CE%93-%CE%A9%CE%9F6?inline=true)
High temperatures throughout the week
It is noted that according to the updated Emergency Weather Deterioration Bulletin issued today by the National Meteorological Service, high temperatures are forecast in our country throughout the week that began today Monday (21-7-2025). Possible end of the heat wave on Sunday (27-7-2025). The highest values (maximum values above 41 degrees) will be recorded from tomorrow Tuesday (22-7-2025) onwards, in the interior of mainland Greece.
It is emphasized that:
A. In the coastal areas of the mainland, the maximum temperature will be 2 to 4 degrees lower than the temperature in the interior of mainland Greece.
B. Minimum temperatures from Wednesday in urban centers will remain at high levels and will range around 27 to 29 degrees Celsius.
Citizens can be informed daily about the development of extreme weather phenomena in the regular weather bulletins of the National Meteorological Service and on the website at www.emy.gr, (www.oldportal.emy.gr)
Weather: Very high to extreme thermal stress
Very high to extreme thermal stress is expected in many areas of Greece due to the intense heat wave that will affect the entire country. According to the latest forecast data from meteo.gr/National Observatory of Athens, an intense heat wave is expected to affect the country from Monday 21/07 and particularly during the period Tuesday 22/07 to Saturday 26/07. On Monday 21/07 maximum temperatures will reach 39-40 degrees and locally 41°C, while in the following days maximums will show further increase. At the same time, during the night the temperature will remain at high levels. The above contribute to increased danger due to thermal stress in most of the country.
More specifically, according to the biometeorological warning system HEAT-ALARM and as shown in the relevant maps, it is expected:
- On Monday 21/07 very high thermal stress in many mainland and island areas of the country. Extreme thermal stress in areas of Central Greece, Central and Eastern Thessaly and Macedonia.
- On Tuesday 22/07 very high to extreme thermal stress in most mainland and island areas of the country.
As emphasized by meteo.gr/National Observatory of Athens, conditions of prolonged thermal stress combined with the absence of cooling and thermal relief during the night significantly increase the danger to human health. For this reason, the implementation of protection measures (e.g. regular cool showers) is strongly recommended for all population groups, and especially for the most vulnerable (elderly, outdoor workers, children, pregnant women, people suffering from chronic conditions, etc.).
