Rush to coast as scorching temperatures hit Greece

A heat wave continued to scorch southeast Europe on Friday, sending residents flocking to the coast, public fountains and air-conditioned locations to find some relief.

Many Athens residents spent the day at the beach, to beat rising temperatures.

People also tried to find some shade under trees in central Athens' main Syntagma Square.

Temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit)  were expected through the end of the week and into the next.

Weather warnings were issued Thursday in several countries in the region.

Residents were being advised to remain indoors and avoid direct exposure to midday sunlight.

Weather experts in Athens said they expected the heat wave to extend into next week, making it one of the most severe recorded since the mid-1980s.

"The most difficulties will be coming on Monday, it will be even more difficult, according to the latest prognostic data, the temperature will rise 2-3 degrees Celsius, compared to the ones we will be having this weekend," said meteorologist Giannis Kallianos.

"Therefore if we will have 42-43 degrees Celsius this weekend, on Monday we will be having 43-44 (109-111 F) and in many vulnerable-to-heat areas, temperatures can even rise up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 F)."

Cooling shelters were set up in the Greek capital, but access to air-conditioned public spaces was limited by pandemic restrictions.