There will be a sharp rise in temperature from tomorrow, weather forecasters predicted yesterday, adding that such fluctuations are normal for this time of year. The temperature is expected to reach as high as 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) but is forecast to drop to about 20C (68F) by Monday. “April is a transitionary period that is known for its cold snaps and the warm fronts from North Africa,” the head of the National Weather Service, Dimitris Ziakopoulos, told Kathimerini. He pointed out that the record temperature for this time of year was in 1985, when it reached 37C (98.6F) in some parts of Greece. Ziakopoulos said it was too early to forecast the weather for the Easter weekend.

The European Commission yesterday renewed calls for Greece to adopt EU rules on immigration after criticizing the small number of refugees that are given asylum by Greek authorities. Greece has already been referred to the European Court of Justice over the issue. The EU Commission spokesman for justice, freedom and security, Friso Roscam Abbing, also said that the high number of illegal immigrants reaching Greece from Turkey was “a serious problem that needs to be solved.” He added that Turkey is responsible for repatriating migrants that have crossed into the EU from its territory.

A 40-year-old man was yesterday shot and killed by his neighbor in the village of Kalpaki, Ioannina, northwestern Greece, when the two argued over a 100-euro debt. The 62-year-old assailant approached his victim in a local cafe and argued with him about an extra 100-euro that the 40-year-old charged him to transport some building material on his behalf. Following the row, the 62-year-old went home to get his hunting rifle. He then tracked down his neighbor and shot him in the street. The victim was taken to the hospital but died several hours afterward. Neither of the men were named.

The Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) said yesterday that it has asked Cadbury Hellas to withdraw its Trident Senses chewing gums from the market after tests revealed that they contain high levels of a food additive. The food watchdog named the substance as E131, a coloring agent, and said it conducted the tests after receiving a complaint. It asked anyone who has bought the chewing gum in question not to use it.

A homemade explosive device went off in front of a tax office in Thessaloniki, causing minor damage to the front of the building, police said yesterday. No one was hurt in the incident. The explosion took place at around 1.20 a.m. near the Theagenieo Hospital. Six firefighters using two trucks were involved in the operation to put out the blaze.

Police arrested a man in Argos, eastern Peloponnese, after finding 1,250 firecrackers in his car. A further inspection of his home uncovered 6,000 additional fireworks, which were all confiscated, police added. The unidentified suspect was taken to a local police station for questioning. Firecrackers are let off at Easter celebrations around the country, often causing serious injuries. Police crack down on the illegal trade in fireworks in the lead-up to the Easter holiday.

A group of at least 10 youths attacked a police station in Dafni, southeastern Athens, late yesterday, throwing paint and rocks at the offices, authorities said. There were no reports of injuries or arrests. The attack, which caused minor damage, took place at around 8 p.m. when about 10 motorcyclists drove past the police station before speeding off in different directions, authorities added. Police had launched a manhunt for the attackers.