Why the heat waves arrive earlier and how the meltemia “save” Greece

Air conditioners and fans worked all day and all night, especially last Thursday, in many districts of Athens. The light breeze made the situation in the capital more bearable and was an ally for those who were forced to save electricity. The heat waves in recent years they are arriving earlier and earlier, as experts observe.

“June, during the second and third ten days, is a month when we often have high temperatures. Now last we start and see from May. And this is something to worry about because climate change is really spreading in the summer. High temperatures start earlier and end later ” reported to APE-MPE the director of his meteo.gr service National Observatory of Athens, Costas Lagouvardos and continued: “In the south of France and Germany in some stations we had a record of a hundred years, in the temperatures that occurred. For several European countries the forecasts give high temperatures, well above normal levels “.

In Cottbus in southeastern Germany the thermometer showed 39.2 degrees Celsius and in Paris 39. In Poland, Sweden and France between 36 and 38 degrees. From June 15 to 21, 2022, the Swiss Alps lost three hundred tons of ice, according to the International Meteorological Organization. In New Delhi in May the thermometer showed 49 degrees and India and Pakistan recorded the highest temperatures in the region in 122 years since March, according to the Guardian. International forecasts speak for a very hot summerbut Greece seems to be … saved by the strong meltemia. “Forecasts made by major meteorological centers abroad are still quite uncertain. For Greece, however, they give a summer with enough meltemia. This means relatively milder temperatures in the east and higher temperatures in western Greece. ” points out in APE-MPE K. Lagouvardos.

The highest temperature recorded in the capital by the Athens Observatory, which has been operating since 1890, remains at 26 June. 2007where the thermometer showed 44.8 points. The earliest heatwave was recorded in 2020 between 15 and 18 May. Under these conditions the authorities are put on alert and the municipalities are better organized. In Athena and Seville The categorization of the fluctuations of the phenomenon has started since last year, for more effective communication with the residents and the visitors. In France, where the thermometer went red, concerts and events in the Bordeaux area were canceled. In fact, according to the BBC due to the increased use of air condition the country was forced to turn to electricity in neighboring countries. German citizens have received recommendations to reduce the use of electricity due to the energy crisis in Ukraine, the Washington Post reported. However, rising temperatures are constantly increasing the demand for electricity.

Doctors also recommend staying home on the hottest days of summer, especially for people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or liver. “During a heat wave, the elderly and children should only live in houses with air conditioners. The possibility of developing a thermal disorder increases when there is a sudden exposure to heat, as happens e.g. when a child stays in a closed car on a hot summer day “explains to APE-MPE, the Anastasis Giakoumis, specialist physician-curator of the National Health Service and continues: “If we can not avoid outdoor activity we should wear light clothing that fits loosely and is made of breathable materials, such as cotton. We should also take frequent breaks, use a fan and drink water every few hours regardless of thirst. In all cases, the treatment of thermal disorders consists in the immediate cessation of the activity, the removal of the affected person from the conditions of high temperature and / or humidity and the rest in a shady and cool environment “.

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