The images captured at 8:45 AM by the thermal camera of ERT’s drone, as part of the “Syndeseis” program, illustrate the intensity of the heatwave in an indicative way. The drone flew over Attica Forest in Galatsi, providing a revealing thermal imaging of the city in real time, several hours before the peak temperature at midday.
In the thermal footage, ground temperatures are clearly depicted, with dark blue corresponding to areas with 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, and green showing temperatures reaching 40°C. Despite being early morning, the apparent temperature at certain points seemed to touch 53 degrees, as characteristically reported by the program’s journalism team. It should be noted that the heatwave is expected to persist at least until Saturday, with Sunday also characterized as hot due to trapped heat, while the fire risk increases due to the intensified winds that will follow. Healthcare units are on heightened alert, while regions and municipalities have secured air-conditioned spaces for citizens.
Heatwave: Morning drone flight captures thermal radiation of surfaces with impressive accuracy
The drone flight, equipped with special thermal technology, captures the thermal radiation of surfaces with impressive accuracy – both in green zones and on concrete roads located just a few meters below. The morning thermal mapping gives a clear snapshot of the day’s progression, as temperatures are expected to rise further until midday. As noted in the program, if conditions permit, the thermal drone will return at the end of the show for new mapping — recording the peak of the phenomenon.
Heatwave: Emergency measures for workers in effect
The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance is proceeding with taking emergency measures to address thermal stress on private sector workers due to high temperatures.
A new circular with emergency measures to address thermal stress on private sector workers was issued on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, by the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance.
Specifically, the ministry’s circular states the following:
A. Measures to address thermal stress on private sector workers
To address thermal stress on employees with dependent employment relationships in the private sector of the economy, employers take technical and organizational protective measures, according to the indicative and non-restrictive list of circular no. 34666/03.06.2024 titled “Prevention of thermal stress on workers” (ADA: RG1N46NLDG-OO6).
B. Mandatory work stoppage in outdoor activities
For workers of companies located in areas where, according to the latest forecast data from the National Meteorological Service (EMY), particularly high temperatures and discomfort levels (WBGT) are expected to prevail in all areas of the country, except the mountainous areas of mainland Greece and the mountainous areas of Crete, work stoppage becomes mandatory on Wednesday 23.07.2025, during the time period 11:00 AM-6:00 PM, for manual work performed outdoors, such as work on technical and construction projects, construction sites, shipbuilding repair zones, distribution and transportation of products and objects by two-wheeled vehicle, scooter, roller skates (delivery), etc.
It is noted that the above cases of mandatory work stoppage include all workers regardless of their type of employment, including digital platforms under article 68 of law 4808/2021.
In case the work stoppage measure is applied for delivery companies, this concerns all companies that conduct delivery, whether they maintain a physical store or digital platform, however the option of order taking with user pickup directly from the store/pickup point (takeaway) may remain active, as well as the possible ability to execute the order with private and public use vehicles, except for all forms of two-wheelers and mopeds, as defined in the Road Traffic Code provisions, provided they have air conditioning.
The work stoppage does not apply to economic activities concerning important and socially critical infrastructures in the sectors of health, transport and public utility (e.g. health units, water supply, electricity, air transport, handling, maritime, land and rail transport), under the condition of taking the other technical and organizational measures of circular no. 34666/03.06.2024 “Prevention of thermal stress on workers” (ADA: RG1N46NLDG-OO6), including work time organization. In case of non-compliance with the obligations of this circular, the Labor Inspectorate imposes, according to articles 23 and 24 of law 3996/2011 (A’ 170), a monetary fine of two thousand (2,000) euros per company employee.
C. Provision of remote work with the telework system
For employees with dependent employment relationships in the private sector who belong to high-risk groups (table of Appendix 2 of circular no. 34666/03.06.2024) and especially in cases of their exposure to aggravating conditions in the areas of paragraph B of this circular, care should be taken by companies to provide the possibility to work remotely if feasible by the nature of their work.
D. Emergency measures for work time organization
To address thermal stress on workers in the areas of paragraph B of this circular and to facilitate workers during any change of their arrival and departure time from work, employers may not register in advance in the P.S. ERGANI system every change in work time organization.
Thursday, the most difficult day of the heatwave – Temperature in Athens reaches 42 degrees
According to ERT meteorologist Nikoleta Ziakopoulou, temperatures today are expected to reach 42-43 degrees Celsius, mainly in the eastern mainland areas, in Thessaly, Eastern Central Greece and the Peloponnese.
The most difficult day for Athens will be Thursday, as the temperature will reach 42 degrees at midday in the city center.
High temperatures will persist on Friday and Saturday, especially in Western Greece, while strengthened northerly winds in the Aegean increase fire risk.
Weather: EMY forecast for today, Wednesday 23-07-2025
Temperature will remain at very high levels throughout the country.
It will reach 39 to 41 degrees Celsius in mainland Greece, locally in central Macedonia, eastern Central Greece and eastern Peloponnese 42 degrees, and in Thessaly 43 degrees Celsius. In Athens and Thessaloniki 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. In the Eastern Aegean islands and Dodecanese 37 to 39 and locally 40 to 41 degrees Celsius. In the Ionian islands and Crete 37 to 38 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures will fluctuate at high levels (around 27 to 29 degrees Celsius mainly in urban centers).
Generally clear weather. During midday-afternoon hours, temporary clouds will develop in northern mountainous areas.
Winds will be variable light and in open seas will blow from northern directions 3 to 5 Beaufort.
Temperature will remain at very high levels throughout the country. It will reach 39 to 41 degrees Celsius in mainland Greece, locally in central Macedonia, eastern Central Greece and eastern Peloponnese 42 degrees, and in Thessaly 43 degrees Celsius. In Athens and Thessaloniki 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. In the Eastern Aegean islands and Dodecanese 37 to 39 and locally 40 to 41 degrees Celsius. In the Ionian islands and Crete 37 to 38 degrees Celsius.
Weather: EMY forecast for tomorrow, Thursday 24-07-2025
Generally clear weather. During midday-afternoon hours, temporary clouds will develop in mountainous areas.
Winds will blow from northern directions 3 to 4 and in open seas 5, locally 6 Beaufort.
Temperature will remain at very high levels. Maximum values will reach 39 to 41 degrees Celsius in mainland areas and locally in eastern areas 42 to 43 degrees Celsius. In Athens 41 to 42 degrees and in Thessaloniki 40 degrees Celsius. In Eastern Aegean islands and Dodecanese 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. In Ionian islands and Crete 37 to 39 degrees Celsius.
It is noted that minimum temperatures will fluctuate at high levels, around 27 to 29 degrees Celsius, mainly in urban centers.
Weather: EMY forecast for Friday 25-07-2025
Generally clear weather. During midday-afternoon hours, temporary clouds will develop in northern mountainous areas.
Winds will blow from northern directions 3 to 5 and in central and southern Aegean 6, locally up to 7 Beaufort.
Temperature will not show significant change and will remain at very high levels. Maximum values will reach 40 to 41 degrees Celsius in mainland areas, locally 42 degrees and in western areas 43 degrees Celsius. In Athens 41 to 42 degrees and in Thessaloniki 39 degrees Celsius. In Eastern Aegean islands, Dodecanese and Ionian islands 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. In southern Crete 39 degrees Celsius.
Weather: EMY forecast for Saturday 26-07-2025
Generally clear weather. During midday-afternoon hours, temporary clouds will develop in mountainous areas where temporary showers and possibly isolated thunderstorms may occur.
Winds will blow from northern directions 3 to 4, in the Aegean 5 to 6 and temporarily locally 7 Beaufort.
Temperature will show a slight drop in eastern areas.
Weather: EMY forecast for Sunday 27-07-2025
Generally clear weather. During midday-afternoon hours, temporary clouds will develop in central and northern mountainous areas.
Winds will blow from northern directions 3 to 4, in open seas 4 to 5 and in the Aegean 5, temporarily locally 6 Beaufort.
Temperature will show a slight drop, mainly in western areas.
Heatwave: Guidelines from the General Secretariat of Civil Protection
The General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection has informed the competent state services involved, as well as the regions and municipalities of the country, to be on heightened civil protection alert, in order to immediately address the effects of high temperatures.
At the same time, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection advises citizens to be particularly careful, taking care to take self-protection measures against dangers arising from high temperatures.
In areas where high temperatures are expected to prevail, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) draws attention to people belonging to vulnerable groups to be particularly careful, so as to avoid health problems, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which may be caused due to the high temperatures that will prevail.
Specifically, according to self-protection guidelines from high temperatures, citizens are advised:
To remain in cool and shaded spaces away from crowds, to use air conditioning or fans and to avoid heavy physical work in spaces with high temperature, breathlessness and high humidity.
To avoid sunbathing, as well as walking or running under the sun and to wear hats and sunglasses and light-colored clothes made of fabric that allows the skin to breathe and facilitates sweat evaporation, avoiding synthetic fabrics.
To consume light meals with fruits and vegetables, limiting fats and food quantity.
To drink plenty of water and fruit juices, avoiding alcoholic beverages.
Special care is recommended for babies and small children, as well as the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases for their protection from high temperatures.
Peloponnese on orange alert
Very high fire risk (risk category 4) is forecast today Wednesday July 23 in the Peloponnese and Ionian islands according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr).
Specifically, very high fire risk is forecast for:
- Elis
- Messinia
- Ionian Islands
- Areas of Achaia and Arcadia
