Heatwave Hits Greece with Temperatures over 37°C

The news in Greek

1. καύσωνας  (m.)
   Περίοδος εξαιρετικά υψηλών θερμοκρασιών. ↩︎
2. θερμοκρασία  (f.)
   Ο βαθμός της θερμότητας ή του ψύχους που έχει κάποιος χώρος ή σώμα. ↩︎
3. αίθριος
   Περιγράφει τον καιρό που είναι καθαρός και χωρίς σύννεφα. ↩︎
4. καταιγίδα  (f.)
   Έντονο καιρικό φαινόμενο με βροχή, αστραπές και βροντές. ↩︎
5. ενισχύω
   Κάνω κάτι πιο δυνατό ή πιο έντονο. ↩︎
6. μείωση  (f.)
   Η πράξη ή το αποτέλεσμα του να γίνεται κάτι λιγότερο. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Which cities in Greece are experiencing temperatures over 36°C?

Question 2: What is recommended for people to do during the heatwave in Greece?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
καύσωνας  (m.)	heatwave
θερμοκρασία  (f.)	temperatures
αίθριος	clear
καταιγίδα  (f.)	storms
ενισχύω	strengthen
μείωση  (f.)	reduction

Read the full story

Greece is currently experiencing a heatwave with temperatures soaring to unusually high levels for early June. On Sunday, temperatures are expected to reach between 36°C and 37°C across many parts of the country, including Athens and Thessaloniki. This warm spell is expected to continue into Monday, with the mercury possibly climbing even higher in some areas due to northwest winds, which are known to increase temperatures locally.

The Greek National Meteorological Service (EMY) predicts generally clear skies across the country with some localised clouds forming over the mainland’s mountainous regions during the midday and afternoon. These clouds might lead to isolated showers or thunderstorms, particularly in Macedonia and Epirus.

Wind speeds are predicted to vary, with western areas experiencing northwesterly winds of 3 to 4 on the Beaufort scale and up to 5 in the Ionian Sea. In the east, northerly winds will range from 3 to 5, reaching 4 to 6 Beaufort in the Aegean Sea.

In the island regions, temperatures will slightly vary, ranging from 32°C to 34°C, whereas, in the mainland, they will soar to 34°C to 37°C, with certain inland locales reaching even higher.

Residents of urban centres like Athens and Thessaloniki, who stayed for the holiday weekend, sought relief at nearby coastal areas. In several locations, such as Salamina and Karditsa, the temperature has already struck 37°C, indicating little respite from the heat.

Weather experts warn of Thalassinos ανέμου, known as catabatic winds, which could exacerbate the heat conditions in central and southern Greece, potentially increasing regional temperatures. This climatic condition occurs when dry air descends quickly, resulting in hotter surface temperatures.

These prevailing conditions have prompted local authorities to issue advisories, encouraging residents to stay hydrated and avoid sun exposure during peak heat hours. The Greek health authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, to ensure their wellbeing amidst the oppressive heat.

The Greek Meteorological Service forecasts that, although this heatwave will persist at least until Monday, a decrease in temperature is expected from the northwest regions later, with gradual cooling expected in other parts of the country by midweek.

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