GREECE: Temperatures soar to 47 degrees celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) in the sun, as Greek heatwave continues

Record ID: 712586

  • Title: GREECE: Temperatures soar to 47 degrees celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) in the sun, as Greek heatwave continues
  • Date: 28th June 2007
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF HUMIDITY ON STREETS OF ATHENS FROM HEAT, TRAFFIC IN THE CITY
  • Embargoed: 13th July 2007 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Greece
  • Country: Greece
  • Topics: Weather,Travel / Tourism
  • Reuters ID: LVAEJIKSV1OR35NAE26IW349YYAQ
  • Story Text: Scores of tourists brave the heat in Athens to see the sites as a stifling heatwave continues to blanket the country.

    Armed with hats, umbrellas and bottles of water tourists trekked up to the shadeless Acropolis on Wednesday (June 27) determined to enjoy their holiday despite the burning sun beating down on them.
    Scores of tourists have arrived in Athens to tour the city's archaeological sites and walk through the city as thermometers showed 47 degrees celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) in the sun.
    "It doesnt get this hot in Boston, and I have been to other places like the Caribbean and so forth, but I think yesterday was the hottest I have felt in my entire life. It was unbelievable," said American tourist George Vassios from Boston.
    Some said they had been advised in their hotels about the heatwave and had taken provisions with them, while others said they could not wait to get back to their air conditioned rooms.
    "All we have been doing is drinking water, like so much water, because if not we will just get sick." said another tourist from the United States.
    There were also some who said they were enjoying the heat after having come from cold countries.
    "For me it's fine, because I like hot weather, it cant be hot enough for me." said Austrian tourist Eva.
    Health officials said the heatwave has claimed seven lives in Greece. Four people had died due to heat stroke and another three deaths were being linked to the high temperatures.
    Temperatures on Tuesday hit a 110-year high with Athens recording the hottest day on record at 46.2 degrees celsius.
    On Wednesday meteorologists said an average of 42 was expected but thermometers in the city were recording temperatures of 47 degrees in the sun.
    Energy consumption has also reached record levels and the state power company was forced to import extra electricity from neighbouring countries to meet domestic demand.
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