A heatwave which started this weekend will persist into the coming week has been forecast by the Greek weather service, with temperatures as high as 40C and low wind speeds in several parts of the country.

Experts warned that discomfort levels may be high, especially in urban centres, while Greek local authorities have prepared for the summer's first heatwave by making public air-conditioned areas available for those most vulnerable to the high temperatures.ana-mpa

They also advise the public, both healthy and more vulnerable individuals, to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and high temperatures as this can lead to serious health problems.

According to the weather service, temperatures will remain in the high 30s or even reach 40 on Monday and Tuesday and will gradually start to drop from Wednesday, initially only in western parts of the country, when wind speeds are forecast to rise.