Athens 'melts' as thermal cameras record surface temperatures up to 75°C

Athens is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels that are making outdoor life unbearable for residents and workers. The Greek capital is grappling with prolonged high temperatures, currently reaching around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), with forecasts indicating the heatwave will persist for several more days.

The extreme heat is vividly illustrated by data captured by a thermal camera drone operated by the Athens municipality. The drone recorded surface temperatures on rooftops reaching 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit). More alarmingly, the temperatures on car roofs and other metallic surfaces climbed as high as 75 degrees Celsius (167 degrees Fahrenheit).

In stark contrast, the drone registered a significantly lower temperature of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) on a tree, highlighting the difference in heat absorption and radiation between natural elements and artificial surfaces. The city center remains oppressively hot, with streets, sidewalks, and buildings baking under the relentless sun, creating an suffocating atmosphere.

To offer some respite to the public, air-conditioned public spaces have been made available in the municipalities of Athens and Piraeus. These cooling centers are open for citizens seeking relief from the intense heat during the ongoing heatwave. The situation underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in urban environments.