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Heatwave: Rooftops and Cars Reached 75°C – In Which Areas Will Temperatures Exceed 43 Degrees?
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Heatwave: Rooftops and Cars Reached 75°C – In Which Areas Will Temperatures Exceed 43 Degrees?

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A severe heatwave is gripping Greece, with asphalt temperatures reaching 60°C and parked cars and rooftops hitting 75°C in Athens.
  • Meteorologists are closely monitoring weather models for the peak of the heatwave, with predictions for maximum temperatures varying between models.
  • The Ministry of Labor and Social Security has mandated a work stoppage for private sector employees from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday to protect workers.

Athens is sweltering under a relentless heatwave, with urban surfaces like asphalt and concrete acting as heat traps. Temperatures on the asphalt of Kifissos Avenue soared above 60 degrees Celsius, while parked cars and rooftops reached an astonishing 75 degrees Celsius. Even in these extreme conditions, the Evzones of the Presidential Guard stood stoically at their posts, receiving regular water and care from the duty officer.

Meanwhile, Thessaly, particularly Larissa, continues to record the highest inland temperatures. In contrast, Northern Greece experienced localized weather shifts, with areas like Drama, Kilkis, and Kavala facing sudden squalls, intense thunderstorms, and strong winds that temporarily disrupted daily life.

The asphalt of Kifissos Avenue exceeded 60 degrees Celsius, while on rooftops and parked vehicles it reached up to 75 degrees.

— Source DataDescribing the extreme temperatures recorded in Athens.

Meteorologists are engaged in a close watch of weather models to pinpoint the heatwave's peak. According to meteorologist Thodoris Kolyas, recent forecasts suggest a slight moderation in predicted temperatures. The German ICON-EU model lowered its maximum temperature forecast from 43.6°C to 43.3°C, though it still anticipates localized peaks above 43°C. The European ECMWF model remains consistent, predicting maximums around 40.8°C.

Kolyas noted that the key question is not whether high temperatures will persist, but which model will most accurately reflect reality. Final temperature readings will depend on local factors such as descending wind intensity, the dryness of the air mass, and the topography of the plains. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security has announced emergency measures, mandating a work stoppage for private sector employees from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to safeguard health and safety during the extreme heat.

The critical question now is not whether high temperatures will prevail – something that is a given – but which of the two models will best capture reality.

— Thodoris KolyasExplaining the uncertainty in weather predictions for the heatwave's peak.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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