The current heatwave is the earliest on record and it has led to searing temperatures and even four deaths. This brutal awakening forecasts an extreme summer and as such an urgent warning has been issued to warn tourists of such high temperatures.
With temperatures rising above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C) for three straight days, it has caused the closure of popular tourist sites. Sites in Athens were closed as a level three heat alert was sent to people’s phones urging them to stay home and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
According to Greek state TV meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos, no heat waves were seen before June 15 in the 21st century and before June 19 in the 20th century. Temperatures even reached a high of 112.1 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C) in Chania, a city on the northwest coast of Crete.
Michael Mosley the Trust Me, I’m a Doctor presenter was found dead on the island of Symi after he collapsed during a walk and a Dutch tourist was found dead in Crete on June 5 after collapsing while crossing the Mylon gorge in Rethymno.
Also on June 5, a 70-year-old French tourist collapsed and died on a beach in Crete and the fourth death was an 80-year-old tourist who was found dead near an archaeological site near the northeast town of Malia.
Along with the four deaths, sadly there are also three missing tourists that search teams in Greece are still looking for.
A tourist hotspot in the summer, Greece is typically warm and times can be hit with intense heat waves, but this one has been alarming.
As heatstroke occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40°C), it is important to look out for common symptoms of heat exhaustion like headache, dizziness and cramps.
Similar conditions are expected in other popular European countries such as Italy, Portugal, France, and Spain this summer.