The government in Greece has ordered mandatory work breaks in some parts of the country where temperatures are expected to go above 40°C. This heat wave is expected to continue until Thursday. The labour ministry said outdoor workers and food delivery workers must stop working from 12 noon to 5 pm, especially in central Greece and some islands. Employers were also asked to let people work from home if possible.

No special emergency measures were needed in Athens because this heat wave is not seen as very unusual, even though Europe has been facing very hot weather recently. The Greek government also said it is taking long-term steps to deal with climate change, like hiring a record number of firefighters this summer.

Last week, at least 5,000 tourists had to leave parts of Crete because a huge wildfire was burning forests and olive farms on the island. About 230 firefighters, along with 46 fire trucks and helicopters, worked hard to stop the fire on Thursday. The fire had started the day before in the forested hills near Lerapetra, on the south coast of Crete.

People from villages like Achlia, Ferma, Agia Fotia, and Koutsounari, as well as guests from nearby hotels and resorts, were moved to a sports hall in Ierapetra for safety. Greece and other countries around the Mediterranean are called a “wildfire hotspot” by scientists because fires are common there in hot and dry summers. These fires have become worse in recent years because of climate change.

At the same time, in Turkey last week, thousands of people had to run away from wildfires in the Cesme and Odemis areas in Izmir province on the west coast. Strong winds made it difficult for firefighters to control the flames, and the fire got close to a main highway to Cesme. TV videos showed thick smoke covering mountain areas.

In Greece, five communities south of Athens also had to evacuate as a large wildfire spread quickly, helped by strong winds and the season’s first heatwave.