Country in grip of heat wave
Temperatures today are expected to reach 41C (106F) in western Greece as a heat wave, forecast to hit 42C (107.6F) tomorrow and Friday, intensifies. Residents of Attica and northern Greece will have to endure expected highs of 39C (102.2F) today, while the absence of wind will worsen conditions. The government has warned people to avoid heavy outdoor work and exposure to the sun, and has placed hospitals on alert. However, temperatures will drop from Saturday when storms are forecast in the north and northwest and winds are expected to reach 6 Beaufort. The storms are expected to spread to the west and north on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Public Power Corporation (PPC) yesterday refuted press reports that warned of electricity shortages over the next few days as air-conditioning systems are exploited to the maximum, insisting that it has the capacity to adequately supply the country’s electricity grid. Power cuts across parts of Attica last week were due to damage to cables, and had nothing to do with insufficient capacity, PPC stressed.
