The strongest heatwave of the summer is coming – temperatures up to 10 degrees higher. Increased deaths due to heat.
Hot Air Masses from Africa to Raise Temperatures in the Balkans and Greece by up to 10 Degrees
Hot air is pushing up from Africa into the Balkans, and it’s about to get seriously warm. Forecasts show a sharp rise in temperatures starting Monday, 21 July, and sticking around until Friday, 25 July.
At around 1,500 metres up (that’s the 850 hPa level for weather nerds), we’re looking at temperatures up to 10°C above the 1991–2020 average. That’s a pretty wild jump—definitely an intense heat event for this corner of the world.
Surface temps depend a bit on things like clouds, wind, and the lay of the land. But honestly, the forecast says we could see daytime highs hitting or even crossing 44°C in some places.
That’s not just hot for July—it’s extreme. Meteorologists are calling this a prolonged and intense heatwave.
Manolis Lekkas, a local weather specialist, said on 20 July that the mercury should hit around 38°C, with southern spots pushing up to 40°C. The heat’s not letting up.
As the week unfolds, things get tougher. From Monday, temps keep rising, and some areas might even break that 40°C mark. Lekkas thinks Wednesday, 23 July, will bring the worst of it.
Thodoris Kolydas, another expert, pointed out that all the recent models agree: a robust, stubborn heatwave is on the way. It’s set to kick in on Tuesday, 22 July, ramp up, and linger at least through Friday, 25 July.
Key Points to Note:
- Heatwave Duration: Approximately from 21 to 25 July.
- Temperature Rise: Up to 10 degrees above average at 1,500 metres altitude.
- Surface Peaks: Over 44°C in some places.
- Strongest Day: Wednesday, 23 July.
- Areas Most Affected: Southern regions and much of the Balkans.
Date |
Expected Max Surface Temp (°C) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
21 July (Mon) |
Around 38-40 |
Heat building, initial heatwave |
22 July (Tue) |
Rising above 40 |
Heatwave intensity grows |
23 July (Wed) |
Over 44 |
Peak heatwave day |
24 July (Thu) |
High 40+ |
Sustained heat |
25 July (Fri) |
High 40+ |
Heatwave to peak then ease |
This kind of weather puts a lot of pressure on health and infrastructure, especially in places not used to such brutal summer conditions.
Stay hydrated, don’t push yourself outdoors during the hottest hours, and keep an eye on local weather updates—just in case things get even worse.
Increased Mortality in Late June Linked to Climate Change
Between 23 June and 2 July, over 1,500 extra deaths happened in 12 European cities. This spike is tied to long stretches of high temperatures, and, let’s be honest, climate change is making it worse.
In Athens, 175 people died, and almost half of those deaths might have been avoided if climate change hadn’t pushed the heat to such extremes.
The elderly suffered the most—about 75% of deaths were folks over 75. It’s a tough reminder of how heatwaves, made worse by environmental shifts, are hitting health hard.
Athens saw a 55% jump in deaths compared to what’s normal for that time of year. The 12 cities together had an even bigger increase—65%. That’s a staggering impact, showing how brutal these heatwaves can be on mortality rates.
Effect of Prolonged Heat Exposure on Health
When temperatures stay high for days, the body starts to struggle. Mild dehydration kicks things off, leading to constipation, muscle cramps, dizziness, and skin rashes—especially in older people.
These might sound minor, but they can spiral fast if you don’t catch them early. If things get worse, you’re looking at heat stroke or heat injury.
The body tries to cool off by sending blood to the skin, but that means less oxygen and nutrients for organs like the kidneys and brain. That’s when things get really dangerous.
The “30-Minute Rule” for Heat-Related Illness
Doctors keep stressing how important it is to act fast when you spot heat stress. If you step in within 30 minutes, you can head off the worst outcomes.
This isn’t just a guideline—it’s urgent, especially for those who are most at risk during heatwaves.
Broader Implications for Urban Living
The recent surge in heat-related deaths really highlights how much we need to rethink city life. We might have to redesign buildings so they actually stay cool, not just look good on paper.
And let’s be honest, public transportation could use an upgrade to shield people from the worst of the heat. More green spaces wouldn’t hurt either—trees and parks do wonders for keeping temperatures down, even if it seems like a small fix.
Key Facts |
Details |
|---|---|
Period of increased deaths |
23 June – 2 July |
Number of extra deaths in Europe |
Over 1,500 |
Athens additional deaths |
175 |
Avoidable deaths in Athens |
96 |
Percentage elderly affected |
~75% |
Increase in deaths (Europe) |
65% above expected |
Increase in deaths (Athens) |
55% above expected |
Main health risks |
Dehydration, cramps, heat stroke |
Public health officials really have their work cut out for them. We need more focus on heat risk awareness, especially for older folks who seem to get hit the hardest.
