Air-conditioned spaces opened to public as heat wave rolls in

The City of Athens and the Attica Regional Authority have opened air-conditioned community centers around the capital to the public as a heat wave rolls in across the country, pushing temperatures above the 40-Celsius mark.

The community centers will be open until at least Monday, when meteorologists expect temperatures to subside.

Civil protection authorities have issued a warning advising the elderly, the parents of young children and people with health problems to avoid exposure to the heat and over-exertion. They recommend staying at cool, shady locations for as long as possible and drinking plenty of water, while also advising tourists and holidaymakers on the long weekend to avoid sight-seeing and beaches at midday, when the sun is at its strongest.