Heatwave: With temperatures reaching 43 degrees and African dust covering the entire country

Closed primary schools and kindergartens in many municipalities – Emergency measures for public and private sector employees
«The thermometer will hit »red" today, Wednesday, with the first heatwave of the summer making its presence felt. In many areas, the mercury will reach and exceed 43 degrees Celsius, while African dust will make the heat even more unbearable.

According to the National Meteorological Service, the highest temperatures are expected in inland mainland Greece, in areas that are not affected by the sea breeze.

The winds Winds will be westerly 3 to 4, southerly 4 to 5, and locally up to 6 Beaufort. In the northern Aegean, winds will be southerly 3 to 4 Beaufort.

Η temperature will rise and reach very high levels. Specifically, in the northern mainland it will reach 37 to 39 degrees Celsius and in central Macedonia 40 degrees Celsius. In western Sterea and western Peloponnese, it will reach 38 to 40 degrees, while in Thessaly, eastern Sterea, and eastern Peloponnese 41 to 42 degrees Celsius and locally, mainly in eastern Central Greece, 43 degrees Celsius. In the islands, temperatures will reach 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, in the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, and locally in Crete 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. In Attica, maximum temperatures will reach 40 to 41 degrees Celsius inland, while in coastal areas they will be 3 to 5 degrees lower. It should be noted that the minimum temperature will also be very high, around 26 to 29 degrees Celsius.

In Attica The weather is expected to be generally clear with scattered clouds. Winds will be variable, 3 to 4, and in the west, 4 to 5 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 26 to 40-41 degrees Celsius, with the maximum 3 to 5 degrees lower in the eastern coastal areas.

The weather will be similar in Thessaloniki. Winds will be variable, 2 to 4, and temporarily southeasterly up to 4 Beaufort. The thermometer will show 25 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Tomorrow Thursday, The heatwave continues. In the west, central, and north, scattered clouds are expected, temporarily thicker with a chance of local rain or showers, mainly in the mainland mountains. In the rest of the country, the weather will be generally clear. Meteorological conditions are favorable for the transport of African dust throughout the country. Winds will be variable, 3 to 4, and in the central and northern Aegean, from the afternoon, southerly, 4 to 5, while in the southeast, northerly, 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperatures will rise, mainly in the south, and will reach very high levels. Specifically, in the northern mainland they will reach 37 to 39 degrees, in western Sterea and western Peloponnese 38 to 40 degrees, in Thessaly 41 to 42 degrees, in eastern Sterea and eastern Peloponnese 41 to 42 degrees Celsius and locally 43 degrees Celsius. In the islands, temperatures will reach 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, in the eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese 38 to 39 degrees Celsius, and locally in Crete 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. In Attica, maximum temperatures will reach 40 to 42 degrees Celsius inland, while in coastal areas they will be 3 to 5 degrees lower. It should be noted that the minimum temperature will also be very high, ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius.

The Friday In the west, central, and north, there'll be some extra clouds with local rain or showers, mainly in the northern mainland, while in the northern mountains, there'll be some scattered storms. The weather is expected to improve in the evening and from the west-northwest. Winds in the west will blow north at 5 to 6 and locally 7 Beaufort, while in the east they will initially blow west-southwest at 5 to 6 Beaufort and from the afternoon north at the same intensity. Temperatures are expected to drop slightly in the west, center, and north, but will remain very high in the rest of the country. More specifically, in the northern mainland, the maximum temperature will reach 34 to 36 degrees, in the rest of the mainland 36 to 38 degrees, and in the interior of Central Greece, Thessaly, and the Peloponnese 39 degrees Celsius. In the islands, temperatures will reach 34 to 36 degrees Celsius, and in the islands of the eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese and Crete, temperatures will reach 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, and possibly 40 degrees Celsius.. Minimum temperatures in the northern mainland will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, and in the rest of the country from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

The Saturday The weather is expected to be generally clear with a few clouds temporarily increasing in the midday and afternoon hours in the northeast. Winds will blow north at 4 to 6 and locally in the Aegean at 7 Beaufort. The temperature is expected to drop significantly. almost throughout the country.

The Sunday, Finally, the weather will be generally clear. Winds will blow north at 4 to 6 and locally in the Aegean at 7 Beaufort. The temperature is expected to rise slightly in the west.

What applies to public and private sector employees

According to the Ministry of Labor—which, incidentally, issued a relevant announcement with incredible haste after the fact—for employees of companies located mainly in Attica, Eastern Sterea, Eastern Peloponnese, and Thessaly, «it is mandatory to suspend work between 12:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday, June 11, 2024,  Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and Thursday, June 13, 2024, for manual labor performed outdoors. This includes, but is not limited to, work on technical and construction projects, construction sites, distribution and transport of products and objects by two-wheeled vehicle (delivery), etc., when the temperature is equal to or higher than 40 degrees Celsius.».

In addition, employees belonging to high-risk groups are given the option, without obligation, to work remotely.

According to a circular issued on Monday by the Ministry of the Interior, «teleworking is provided for civil servants who belong to vulnerable groups. If this is not possible due to the nature of their duties, they may take special leave and not report to work. Their inclusion in vulnerable groups is determined on the basis of relevant data already held on the employee or in collaboration with the Service's Medical Examiner or occupational physician, or upon presentation by the employee of a relevant medical certificate indicating the condition.

As for civil servants who do not belong to vulnerable groups, they will also be able to offer their services through teleworking, and where this is not possible, flexible working hours will be applied.

Employees whose duties require them to work outdoors should use the appropriate personal protective equipment, and it is recommended that they avoid working during the hottest hours of the day (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). -5:00 p.m.).

In order to avoid inconvenience to citizens and to protect their health, it is clarified that any appointments with public services scheduled during peak heat hours should be rescheduled at the discretion of the services.

Which schools and nurseries will remain closed – Announcements by municipalities

Athens 

All primary schools (kindergartens and elementary schools) in the municipality of Athens will be closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, due to the upcoming heat wave.

According to the municipality of Athens, the situation for Friday, June 14, will be reassessed on Thursday depending on the risk report.

Galatsi

Kindergartens and elementary schools within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Galatsi will remain closed on Thursday, June 13, 2024, as, according to all international meteorological channels, the weather conditions are expected to be severe. nurseries and primary schools within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Galatsi will remain closed, as, according to all international meteorological channels, temperatures in the area are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

For tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, the temperature is expected to remain at the same levels as today, Tuesday, June 11, so schools will remain open.

Municipality of Acharnes

Due to high temperatures and special weather conditions, and with respect for student safety, kindergartens, elementary schools, and special schools located within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Acharnes will remain closed on both days.

It should be noted that both junior high schools and high schools will operate normally so that the Panhellenic, promotional, and final exams can be conducted without interruption.

It should be noted that the decision on whether or not to hold school events (performances, excursions, etc.) that have been planned is up to the management of each school.

Finally, the municipality's nurseries and daycare centers will operate normally.

Philothei – Psychiko

Following a decision by Mayor Charalambos Bonatsos and due to the prevailing heatwave, the municipality's primary schools (kindergartens and elementary schools) will remain closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13.

The suspension also applies to private schools. All preschool education facilities (public and private nurseries) will remain open.

Muscat – Taurus

An announcement issued by the Municipality of Moschato-Tavros provides for the suspension of classes in kindergartens and elementary schools on Thursday, June 13.

Piraeusς

By decision of the Mayor of Piraeus, Yiannis Moralis, all primary education schools (kindergartens and elementary schools within the Municipality of Piraeus), as well as the Special Vocational Education & Training Workshops:  E.E.E.E.K. Piraeus and E.E.E.E.K. Anoixi, tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, after 1:15 p.m. (full-day classes will not operate).

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, all of the above schools will be closed, including the Piraeus Municipality Nurseries.

Markopoulo 

The Municipality of Markopoulo informs you that, by decision of the Mayor, primary schools (primary schools and kindergartens) will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, and the day after tomorrow, Thursday, June 13, 2024, due to severe weather conditions.

In addition, by decision of the Mayor, the Municipal Station in Porto Rafti will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, due to damage to the air conditioning system. The rest of the schools will operate normally.

Good Friday 

All kindergartens and elementary schools in the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, due to the impending heatwave.

Kindergartens and nurseries will operate normally.

Due to weather forecasts predicting very high temperatures, even exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, over the next 24 hours, and as a precautionary measure, all primary education schools (kindergartens and elementary schools) in the Municipality of Agia Paraskevi will be suspended tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13.

Dionysus

Due to the heatwave, all primary schools in the Municipality of Dionysos will be closed on Wednesday (June 12), while nurseries will operate from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday...

‘All daycare centers in the Municipality of Dionysos are equipped with air conditioning.

The situation for Thursday (June 13) will be reassessed tomorrow, Wednesday, depending on the risk report.

Perama

By decision of the municipality, kindergartens and elementary schools will be closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13.

Agii Anargyroi – Kamatero

By decision of the Mayor of Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero, Stavros Tsirbas, all primary education schools (kindergartens and elementary schools within the municipality of Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero) tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, after 1:15 p.m. (i.e., all-day classes will not be held).

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, all of the above schools will be closed, including nurseries and daycare centers in the municipality of Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero.

St. Petersburg

Due to the National Meteorological Service's forecast of very high temperatures and a heatwave, as well as the recommendations of the Civil Protection Agency, the Municipality of Petroupolis has decided that nurseries and primary schools will remain closed on Wednesday, June 12.

The municipality's nurseries will operate in air-conditioned premises, while exams in middle and high schools will take place as normal.

Chalandri

Primary schools will be closed on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June, following a decision by Mayor Simos Roussos, due to the high temperatures caused by the heatwave.

Daycare centers will operate normally.

Vrilissia

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, elementary schools and kindergartens in the Municipality of Vrilissia will be closed due to the extremely high temperatures that are expected to prevail, according to forecasts by the National Meteorological Service. In schools where end-of-year celebrations are scheduled for the afternoon, these will take place as normal.

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, schools of all levels in the Municipality of Vrilissia will be closed due to the local holiday of the Ascension of the Lord.

On Friday, June 14, 2024, the situation will be reassessed depending on weather conditions.

Ilioupoli

The Municipality of Ilioupoli, following a decision by Mayor Stathis Psyrropoulos, announces that tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, primary schools in all school units(kindergartens, elementary schools) within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality will remain closed due to a heatwave.

This decision was deemed necessary for the protection of both students and teachers, due to the National Meteorological Service's forecast of particularly high temperatures in Attica.

It should be noted that the Municipal Daycare Centers of Ilioupoli will operate normally, as this is not compulsory education and attendance is not mandatory.

A further announcement will follow regarding the operation of primary schools on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Saint Demetrius

Kindergartens and elementary schools (including the Special Kindergarten and Special Elementary School, as well as the EEEK) in Agios Dimitrios will be closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, due to the heatwave!

Given the high temperatures forecast for Attica by the National Meteorological Service, we have decided that the kindergartens and elementary schools of Agios Dimitrios will not be open on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13.

Nurseries and daycare centers will operate normally, as they have air-conditioned rooms. However, parents are advised to keep their children at home, if possible.

Regarding the operation of schools on Friday, June 14, the situation will be reassessed and a further announcement will be made on Thursday, June 13.

Marousi

All primary schools in the Municipality of Marousi will be closed on Wednesday, June 12, 2024,  by decision of Mayor Theodoros Abatzoglou, as the high temperatures expected will make it difficult for students to travel to and remain at school.

The operation of schools for the rest of the week will be determined by a later decision, depending on weather reports.

Heraklion

All primary schools (kindergartens and elementary schools, public and private) in the Municipality of Heraklion, Attica, will remain closed on Wednesday, June 12, by decision of the mayor, Nikos Babalos.

The decision was taken after a meeting held at the town hall with officials from the Department of Education and the Primary Education School Committee, taking into account the forecast of extremely high temperatures in the coming days and in order to protect young children.The decision was taken after a meeting held at the town hall with officials from the Department of Education and the Primary Education School Committee, taking into account the forecast of extremely high temperatures in the coming days and in order to protect.

The EEEK in Heraklion, Attica, will also remain closed.

The operation of schools for the rest of the week will be determined by a later decision depending on weather reports.

Teachers at each school will decide and inform students about alternative ways of conducting lessons.

Municipality of Saronikos

Primary schools will remain closed from 11:30 a.m. onwards on Wednesday (June 12, 2024) and Thursday (June 13, 2024) in the Municipality of Saronikos due to the high temperatures.

Specifically, following a decision by the Mayor of Saronikos, Dimitris Papachristos, and the President of the Primary Education School Committee, Makis Drouvas, kindergartens and elementary schools will close at 11:30 a.m. from tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, until Thursday, June 13, 2024, in order to protect students from the particularly high temperatures.

Middle schools and high schools will operate normally.

Municipality of Kropia

The suspension of operations tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, of Primary Education Schools (Kindergartens and Elementary Schools) and KAP and KAP AMEA, public and private, operating within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Kropia.

Municipality of Oropos

The kindergartens and elementary schools of the Municipality of Oropos will be open from the start of the school day until 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Municipality of Epidaurus

The municipality of Epidaurus announced that on Wednesday and Thursday, schools will be closed throughout the school day due to the heatwave and emergency civil protection bulletins.

Municipality of Ermionida

Due to the expected heatwave and following consultation with the Director of Primary Education in Argolis on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, all primary education schools (kindergartens, elementary schools) will be closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Municipality of Livadia

From 11:30 today, primary schools and kindergartens in Livadia will also be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Municipality of Trikala

The Municipality of Trikala is taking measures for the upcoming heatwave and the protection of citizens, children, and educators by deciding that primary schools (elementary schools and kindergartens) will operate until 11:30 a.m. on June 11, 12, and 13, 2024. The decision was taken in consultation with the Trikala Primary Education Directorate. The KAP «STATHMOS,» «FROURIO,» and «OMONOIA» will remain closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, 2024. At the KAP MEΑ «IFAISTOS,» the first shift will operate until 12 noon, while the second shift will not operate during the same period (June 11, 12, and 13).

Municipality of Meteora

According to a decision by the Mayor of Meteora, Lefteris Avramopoulos, school hours in kindergartens and elementary schools will be reduced on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, strictly until 11:30 a.m., after which schools will close.

Municipality of Chalkida

The operation of primary education schools in the Municipality of Chalkida (kindergartens, elementary schools, special kindergartens, and special elementary schools) will be suspended on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13. Please note that the daycare centers, K.D.A.P. and K.D.A.P. MeA of the Municipality of Chalkida will operate normally, as this is not compulsory education and attendance is optional.

Municipality of Mantoudi – Limni – Agia Anna

Schools will be closed on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, due to the heatwave in the Municipality of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna. Specifically, in an announcement, the mayor of Mantoudi-Limni –Agia Anna announced that primary schools and the Mantoudi nursery school will be closed for three days, from Tuesday, June 11, to Thursday, June 13, due to the upcoming heatwave.

Municipality of Eretria

The mayor of Eretria decided to close schools on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, because of the heatwave.

Municipality of Dirfys-Messapia

The Municipality of Dirfys-Messapia announced the suspension of classes and the closure of kindergartens and elementary schools on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13. The Municipality's Nursery and Kindergarten, as well as the K.D.A.P.Me.A., will operate normally, as this is not compulsory education and attendance is optional.

Municipality of Lamia

By decision of the Mayor of Lamia, following communication with the Regional Directorate of Education of Central Greece, the operation of primary education schools in the Municipality of Lamia, as well as all nurseries and kindergartens under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Lamia, and on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June, the closing time will be 11:30 a.m.

Municipality of Thebes

According to an announcement by the Municipality, “Due to the heatwave, the Mayor of Thebes has decided to suspend classes at 11:30 a.m. in all primary schools within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Thebes on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, due to the heatwave.”.

Municipality of Afikleia – Elateia

In the municipality of Amfiklia-Elateia, the departure of students from primary schools on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, is modified as follows: 11:30 a.m. from all primary schools in the municipality, 11:30 a.m. from the kindergartens of Amfiklia and Elatia, 12:00 p.m. from the kindergarten of Kato Tithorea, and 12:00 p.m. from all daycare centers in the municipality.

Municipality of Patras

According to a decision by the Deputy Mayor for Education and Self-Governance, Katerina Simou, the primary school complexes of the Municipality of Patras will remain closed on June 12 and 13 due to very high temperatures in the wider area of the Municipality, according to the forecasts of the National Meteorological Service.

Volos

All primary schools, i.e., kindergartens and elementary schools, throughout the municipality of Volos, as well as the EEEK Nea Ionia, will remain closed for the next two days, i.e. tomorrow, Wednesday 12/06/2024, and the day after tomorrow, Thursday 13/06/2024.

Schools closed in Northern Greece

By decision of the mayorAmpelokipoi-Menemeni, Lazaros Kyrizoglou, municipal schools and kindergartens in western Thessaloniki will be temporarily closed on Wednesday and Thursday, June 12 and 13, due to extreme weather conditions. As stated in a relevant announcement by the municipality, the heatwave makes it difficult for young students to access and remain in school classrooms.

In the municipality Kordeliou – Evosmos It was decided that all elementary schools will operate tomorrow and Thursday until 11:30 a.m., while all-day schools will not operate.

In Municipality of Lagkada, In Thessaloniki, Mayor Niki Andreadou decided to temporarily suspend the operation of kindergartens and elementary schools on Wednesday, June 12, from 11 a.m. until the end of the daily schedule due to the heat wave.

Also, in Naoussa, By decision of the mayor, Nikos Koutsogiannis, tomorrow (Wednesday), primary schools (kindergartens and elementary schools) and the Naoussa Special Education and Training Center will close at noon due to the high temperatures affecting the country.

In the municipality Veroia The schedule for primary schools is being changed, and students will be dismissed from class at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, June 12 and 13.

In municipality of Serres The operation of all-day shifts in kindergartens, elementary schools, special kindergartens, and special elementary schools is suspended until Thursday, June 13. With regard to the operation of daycare centers, KAPs, and KAPs for children with disabilities, the municipality notes that they will operate normally, as attendance is optional due to the non-compulsory nature of this education.

In addition, all-day primary schools and kindergartens in the municipalities of Sintiki and Iraklia in the prefecture of Serres will remain closed until Thursday, June 13.

Recommendations from the Ministry of Health regarding the heatwave

The Ministry of Health, noting that particular attention should be paid when high temperatures are combined with increased levels of air pollution, recommends:

• Stay in air-conditioned areas.
• Wear light and comfortable clothing made of light-colored, breathable fabric to facilitate ventilation and sweat evaporation.
• Wear a hat made of material that allows the head to breathe.
• Wear black or dark sunglasses with lenses that protect against solar radiation.
• Avoid exposure to the sun, especially for infants and the elderly.
• Avoid heavy physical work.
• Avoid long journeys on public transport that does not have air conditioning.
• Public transport operators must ensure that their air conditioning systems are in good working order, taking into account the provisions of the first paragraph of the general guidelines (see above), in order to provide the best possible service to the public.
• Take several lukewarm showers throughout the day and place cool compresses on your head and neck.
• Small, light meals low in fat, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices), especially infants and the elderly, and avoid alcohol. If sweating is excessive, it is recommended to take small doses of salt.
• Individuals suffering from chronic diseases should consult their treating physician, who will provide them with additional instructions depending on their condition, as well as instructions for any possible changes to their medication dosage.
• The elderly should not be left alone, but should have someone to provide them with daily care.
• Workplaces must be equipped with air conditioning units or simple fans, preferably ceiling fans, and in any case natural ventilation of the premises. The same applies to institutions that care for newborns, infants, children, the elderly, and people with special needs.

With regard to high temperatures combined with increased levels of air pollution, the Ministry of Health emphasizes:

In the event that ozone levels in the atmosphere exceed the limits, the Ministry of Health has issued relevant guidelines to inform the public about precautionary measures, especially for vulnerable population groups, which are as follows:

«People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and, more generally, people who are sensitive to air pollution are advised to stay indoors and avoid going outside. It is also recommended that these individuals, as well as children, avoid strenuous physical activity, which can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to respiratory problems.».

To protect public health from airborne particles (A.S.10), the Ministry of Health has issued relevant circulars.
Pathological conditions caused by high temperatures and treatment guidelines.

When the ambient temperature rises to levels that are intolerable for the human body in combination with other factors (humidity, apnea, etc.), pathological conditions of varying severity arise.

Initial symptoms may include: severe headache, lethargy, feeling of exhaustion, tendency to faint, drop in blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. Heatstroke syndrome manifests itself with: sudden increase in body temperature (>40.5 °C), red, hot, and dry skin (sweating has stopped), dry swollen tongue, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, intense thirst, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, inability to orient oneself and speak clearly, aggressive or strange behavior, convulsions, loss of consciousness, or coma.

The treatment of individuals presenting the above symptoms, when the ambient temperature is high, should preferably be carried out in hospitals, but as first aid until they are transported there, immediate measures should be taken to reduce body temperature:

Transport the heatstroke victim immediately to a cool, well-ventilated, shady place, preferably air-conditioned (see above), Remove all clothing, place ice packs or cold compresses on the neck, armpits, and groin area, immerse in a bathtub with cold water or shower or spray with cold water, provide small sips of cool liquids (water or diluted fruit juice, 1 part juice to 4 parts water) if they can swallow, etc.

Who is at risk from high temperatures:

• elderly people
• babies and young children
• pregnant and breastfeeding women
• people who are overweight or obese
• people who work or exercise intensely in hot environments
• people with chronic conditions (cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, dementia, alcoholism, or substance abuse, etc.)
• people with acute illness, such as infection with fever or gastroenteritis (diarrhea and/or vomiting)
• people who, for purely medical reasons, take medication for chronic conditions, such as diuretics, anticholinergics, psychotropic drugs, hormone-containing drugs (including insulin and antidiabetic tablets). Especially during periods of high ambient temperatures, they should consult their doctor about a possible change in dosage.