Greece on Tuesday (July 16) ordered some businesses not to let their employees perform heavy outdoor duties during afternoon hours this week amid soaring temperatures.

Greece on Tuesday (July 16) ordered some businesses not to let their employees perform heavy outdoor duties during afternoon hours this week amid soaring temperatures. Citing the labour ministry, a report by the news agency Reuters said that builders, food delivery riders, couriers, and shipwrights are among those having to pause work from midday till 5:00 pm (local time) from Tuesday to Friday (July 19). The waitstaff at beach establishments would also be prohibited from serving customers until 5:00 pm. The ministry has been conducting inspections, imposing hefty fines on employers, and revoking licences from non-compliant establishments. No relief from heat Greece has already seen high temperatures since last month, and the mercury is expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius by Thursday. The heatwave is being fueled by warm air masses moving from North Africa across Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Also read | Greece introduces six-day working week to turbocharge productivity; measure criticised Meteorologists have said that temperatures in Greece would not drop by much before the end of the month. With most of Greece seeing little or no rain in months, many of its islands, which draw millions of tourists over the summer, are also grappling with water shortages. Govt warns of dangerous heatwave On Thursday, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued a new emergency weather report warning of a dangerous heat wave engulfing Greece. Also read | Greece fights dozens of wildfires in 'most difficult day of year' A report by the Greek City Times said that coastal areas would experience slightly lower temperatures. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures are also expected to remain high, hovering between 27 to 29 degrees Celsius in most areas of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid soaring temperatures in Greece, government restricts outdoor work

Greece is grappling with a severe early summer heat wave that has tragically claimed the lives of several tourists. Temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), resulting in dangerous conditions, particularly for those engaging in outdoor activities like hiking.

Heatwave in Greece: Naxos island's reservoir dries up

Greece on Saturday (July 22) faced its hottest July weekend in 50 years, and temperatures are forecast to go above 40 degrees Celsius. According to a report by the news agency AFP, ministries have advised people to work from home (WFH) where possible and not step outdoors unnecessarily.

Greece on Saturday (July 22) faced its hottest July weekend in 50 years, and temperatures are forecast to go above 40 degrees Celsius. According to a report by the news agency AFP, ministries have advised people to work from home (WFH) where possible and not step outdoors unnecessarily. Panagiotis Giannopoulos, a meteorologist with state broadcaster ERT, said that temperatures in Athens would be above 40 degrees Celsius for six to seven days, through to the end of July. The report said that on the central island of Evia, a 46-year-old man died due to heatstroke. The Chalkida Hospital said that the cause of the death appeared to be cardio-respiratory failure following exposure to high temperatures. Earlier, the national meteorological institute EMY reported temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius at Attica and temperatures in Thessalia could climb up to 44 degrees Celsius. 79 forest fires reported across Greece Authorities said on Saturday that firefighters were battling 79 forest fires across Greece. Vassilios Vathrakoyannis, a spokesperson from the fire fighting department, said that Greece would be on a state of alert across the weekend. On Friday, Turkey said it was sending two firefighting aircraft to Greece. Meanwhile, the ministry of culture said that architectural attractions including World Heritage Site the Athens Acropolis will be shut during the hottest parts of the day through to Sunday. Heatwave to expand in southern US A record-breaking heatwave stretching across the southern United States was expected to expand in the coming days. The National Weather Service (NWS) said that across Southern US, about 80 million Americans will swelter in temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius and above this weekend. Phoenix, Arizona would be the worst affected. Phoenix is surrounded by desert, and its 1.6 million residents are accustomed to brutal summer temperatures. However, this time, the heat wave is unprecedented in its length: it has already helped the city break its previous record of 18 straight days at or above 43 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Climate crisis: Greece faces hottest July weekend in 50 yrs; heatwave to expand in US

In pics | Firefighters battle 81 wildfires across Greece, thousands near Athens evacuated

Climate threat: Wildfires rage in Turkey, heatwave hits Greece