Greece's Sizzling Summer Nights: A Dangerous Health Threat
Overnight temperatures exceeding 30 degrees pose potential risks to one's health.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link It's not just the daytime temperatures soaring in Greece during this summer's first heatwave - evenings can be deadly! The meteorological office has warned of temperatures reaching up to 42 degrees, with many places already experiencing 36 degrees in the early morning hours. Drought conditions mean a high fire risk across the country, but the tourist islands of the southern Aegean and Crete remain relatively cool due to sea breezes.
When it comes to cooling down, city dwellers face a significant challenge. Nighttime temperatures in towns like Athens rarely drop below 30 degrees, according to doctors, who are sounding the alarm about the impact on human health. Disrupted sleep, heavy sweating, and an inability to recover are major concerns.
Elderly and sick individuals are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves, as their pre-existing conditions can worsen, leading to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. The medical community advises these groups to seek out shady, air-conditioned environments, avoid alcohol, and stay hydrated.
In Athens and other urban areas, heat islands - caused by materials in buildings and roads retaining heat - contribute to higher nighttime temperatures. This effect can result in tropical nights, with temperatures failing to drop below 25 degrees, making an already critical situation even more dangerous.
But the long queues at popular attractions like the Acropolis testify to a reluctance to let the heat deter us from popular tourist destinations. "We've got our hat, plenty of water, and we're ready to climb," said an Australian tourist in a television interview.
Stay safe, folks! Drink lots of water, avoid the midday sun, and when in doubt, seek out the shade.
Source: ntv.de
Enrichment Data:
- Disrupted Sleep Patterns: As nighttime temperatures refuse to cool in urban areas, leading to tropical nights, individuals might experience numerous sleep disruptions, which can further exacerbate health issues.
- Physiological Strains: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures both during the day and at night can lead to significant physical strain, as the body works overtime to stay cool.
- Health Risks for Vulnerable Populations: Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions are more susceptible to heat-related health hazards. These groups may require additional precautions, including seeking out cool environments and maintaining proper hydration.
- "Given the rising temperatures during Greece's summer nights, it's crucial for the community to implement health-and-wellness policies focusing on sleep and mental-health, as disrupted sleep patterns can be a serious concern due to the tropical nights in urban areas, especially in Athens."
- "Moreover, these health-and-wellness policies should specifically target vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, who may face further health risks due to heatwaves, including heat-related illnesses and physiological strains."
