Greece, Turkey feeling the heat as temperatures soar

In Turkey, the only solution is a dip in the cool waters of the Bosporus. A heat wave has firmly gripped southern Europe, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Greece and Turkey have been particularly affected. Both countries are used to the heat, but experts quoted in Greek media have said the warm temperatures are exceptional for this time of year.

A tourist in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Greece, has quickly turned her umbrella into a parasol. The Greek Red Cross has set up stands for the many tourists at Syntagma Square, where staff are also handing out free bottles of water.

The Greek Labor Ministry has called on people to work from home wherever possible. Many schools in the country remain closed, and municipalities have opened air-conditioned public buildings for people who do not have a way to cool their own home. Some venture outside again when temperatures drop in the evening — like these people enjoying the sunset on the Acropolis.

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of wildfires. Last week, a fire broke out on the Greek island of Chios. Firefighters are on alert after a winter with little rain and unusually high temperatures since the beginning of June, with local fire departments warning of the threat of further fires. Central Greece, parts of the Peloponnese Peninsula and Crete are particularly at risk.

In Turkey, firefighting aircraft, drones and helicopters are also on alert. Here, too, temperatures are expected to rise to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), especially in the west of the country — around 12 degrees Celsius higher than usual at this time of year. Children in Diyarbakir have been making the most of the heat, splashing around in the city's historic water channels.

Lying stretched out in the sun isn't actually a good idea. One of the most important tips from the authorities for dealing with the heat is to spend the midday hours indoors, if possible. People should also drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, overeating and doing any outdoor sports. This applies in particular to the elderly, children and the chronically ill.

Warm air masses over the central Mediterranean and North Africa regions are causing the heat. These Egyptian teenagers are cooling off in the waters of the famous Nile River. The scorching weather should ease by the weekend, but due to climate change, researchers have warned that southern Europe will have to prepare for earlier and earlier heat waves.