Sweltering Greek Heatwave: Over 40°C Counts as Emergency, Doctors Warn
Nighttime temperatures above 30 degrees can pose health risks, doctors caution.
Greece is battling its first significant summer heatwave, with temperatures forecast to soar as high as 42°C, according to the meteorological office. Even in the early hours of Friday, local temps hit 36°C. With the ongoing drought, the fire danger is sky-high in numerous regions of the country.
Luckily, the tourist islands of the southern Aegean and Crete remain relatively unscathed. thanks to the sea breeze, they register temperatures up to 6°C lower than on the mainland, the weather forecasters reported.
Despite the scorching heat, lengthy lines formed before sunrise outside Athens' renowned icon, the Acropolis. An Australian tourist, interviewed on Greek TV, said, "We've got a hat, lots of water, and we're determined to go up!"
In Athens and other cities across the country, nighttime temperatures don't drop below 30°C, creating a significant health hazard, doctors warn. Restful sleep eludes, as bodies perspire heavily without proper rest and recovery.
Greek media are consistently urging the elderly, sick, and vulnerable to seek out shady, air-conditioned spaces. They stress the importance of avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water instead, and either visiting public cool zones or air-conditioned establishments to cope with the soaring temps.
[!1]: Physical strain, heat-related illnesses, and potential fatal heatstrokes become increasingly likely amid prolonged heatwaves, disproportionately affecting ageing populations, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.
[!2]: Interrupted sleep, heightened fatigue, and diminished cognitive abilities may occur due to elevated nighttime temperatures.
[!3]: Persistent heat places significant stress on the cardiovascular system and can aggravate respiratory problems, adding to the overall morbidity and mortality rates during such events.
[!4]: Patients with conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease often face worsened symptoms due to dehydration and heat stress.
[!5]: Concurrently, the increased risk of wildfires poses indirect health hazards via smoke inhalation and displacement.
Steer clear of strenuous activity during peak hours, invest in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, minimize alcohol and caffeine intake, and keep window treatments closed during the day to minimize indoor heat accumulation. Sleep in cooler spaces, use wet cloths or towels to help cool down before bed, and make it a point to check on ageing neighbors, children, and those with chronic illnesses. Remain informed about weather updates and heatwave warnings, and seek medical assistance promptly if heat-related symptoms develop.
- To mitigate the risks associated with prolonged heatwaves, it is essential to promote community health policies that prioritize the needs of the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions, including strenuous activity restrictions during peak hours and the provision of cool, shaded, and air-conditioned public spaces.
- With a rise in nighttime temperatures, people may experience disturbed sleep patterns, increased fatigue, and reduced cognitive abilities, which might impact productivity and mental health. Therefore, prioritizing sleep and work-from-home options could be beneficial during heatwaves.
- As health issues such as dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, and respiratory complications become prevalent during extreme heat events, it is crucial to adopt health policies that emphasize hydration, seeking cool environments, and monitoring symptoms in vulnerable populations. It's also essential to consider mental-health treatments and therapies to address the anxiety and stress caused by heatwaves.
