Vulnerable groups advised to take heat precautions

Ground-level ozone in the Greek capital on Wednesday rose above the public information threshold of 180 mg/m3 to reach 192 mg/m3 as a heat wave continues to batter Athens and other parts of the country.

The high temperatures and low southerly winds are expected to persist through Friday, with authorities on Wednesday warning the public to take precautions such as refraining from needless physical activity, staying well hydrated and keeping out of the sun.

The Health Ministry advised vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with respiratory problems, to stay indoors as much as possible until the heat wave, which is expected to push temperatures past the 40-Celsius mark in Athens Thursday and Friday, eases.