Greece is bracing for its most intense heatwave of the summer so far, with meteorologists warning that a "heat dome" will settle over the country next week, pushing temperatures to as high as 43°C (109°F) and creating an extremely high risk of wildfires.
Temperatures are forecast to begin climbing significantly on Friday and through the weekend before the heatwave peaks in the middle of next week. The hottest conditions are expected in the central mainland regions of Thessaly and western parts of the country.
In Athens, temperatures are expected to reach 35°C (95°F) on Friday and continue to rise into next week.
The combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and anticipated winds has placed authorities on high alert for wildfires. The Civil Protection authority is urging the public to be extremely vigilant and to avoid any activity that could spark a fire, such as burning dry grass or using outdoor barbecues.
The forecast comes as firefighters across the country are already battling several active blazes, including a major fire that destroyed homes on the outskirts of Athens on Wednesday.