Greece Issues Wildfire Warnings Amid Heat

Greece is set to experience unusually hot weather in September, with temperatures expected to be one or two degrees above the seasonal norm, potentially continuing into winter. This forecast comes from both the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), indicating a broader trend of rising temperatures across much of Europe. The Foreign Office has issued warnings to UK travelers about the risks of heatwaves and wildfires, urging precautions to prevent accidental ignitions. The ongoing heat has already affected tourist sites, with closures due to extreme temperatures. Additionally, Greece is grappling with the impact of climate change on its tourism model, facing challenges from overtourism and environmental degradation. Local authorities are calling for regulations to manage tourist flows and protect fragile ecosystems, as tourism remains crucial to the Greek economy, contributing significantly to its GDP.