As temperatures started rising on Wednesday, signalling the start of what meteorologists are describing as a short but intense heatwave, the City of Athens opened up cool spaces to help vulnerable residents and visitors cope with its effects.

The municipality’s seven so-called “friendship clubs” are air-conditioned and will be open to the public for the duration of the heatwave from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. They are located in the following districts: Agios Pavlos (22 Mamouri & Dymis), Neos Kosmos (15 Heldreich), Votanikos (4 Kozanis), Kolokynthous (9 Aimonos & Astrous), Agios Eleftherios (372 Acharnon), Kypseli (Skyrou & Kafkasou) and Ampelokipi (Panormou & Vatheos).

Members of the public can also contact the 24-hour Citizen Service Line (tel 1595) or the “Heatwave line” of Athens’ municipal clinics (tel 210.363.8049), daily from 8.30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., to receive advice and instructions on how to deal with heat-related health problems.

According to the national meteorological service (EMY), highs on  Wednesday are expected to reach 39°C (102°F) in mainland areas, with slightly cooler conditions on the islands.

The heat will intensify through Thursday and Friday, peaking at 40-41°C (104-106°F) inland. Coastal regions and islands, including the Ionian, eastern Aegean and southern Crete, will also see highs between 35-38°C (95-100°F).

Temperatures are forecast to ease slightly over the weekend, with northern breezes strengthening, especially on Sunday, when winds could reach up to 8 Beaufort in the Aegean.

Source: Ekathimerini.com