Heatwave: Asphalt sizzles as rooftops and cars turn into ovens
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Temperatures above 60°C were recorded on asphalt using a thermal camera, while readings on rooftops and parked vehicles exceeded 75°C. How long the heatwave is expected to last.
- 21 Ιουλίου 2026 11:55
Thermal cameras recorded extreme temperatures across the Athens basin, capturing the scale of the intense heatwave affecting the country.
Shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Monday (20/7), the thermal camera monitoring the Kifissos area recorded asphalt temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius, highlighting the extremely difficult conditions prevailing at the time.
Even more striking were the images from the Alsos Veikou area, where building rooftops and parked vehicles appeared white in the thermal footage, indicating that their surfaces had reached temperatures above 75 degrees Celsius.
Where the highest temperatures were recorded
At the same time, meteorological measurements confirmed the intensity of the heatwave across the country.
According to the network of automatic weather stations operated by the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr), the highest temperatures were recorded in Riza, Corinthia, Makrakomi, Phthiotida, and Oleni, Ilia, where the mercury reached 41.1 degrees Celsius.
The high temperatures were widespread, with 40°C exceeded at 24 weather stations, while maximum temperatures rose above 37°C at 159 stations across the network, confirming both the intensity and the geographical extent of the phenomenon.
Meteorologists warn that the exceptionally high temperatures significantly increase heat stress among the public, particularly in major urban centres, where heat accumulated by concrete and asphalt makes conditions feel even more oppressive.
When the heatwave will subside
Temperatures are also expected to remain high today, Tuesday (21/07), with the Hellenic National Meteorological Service forecasting local highs of 40 to 41 degrees Celsius, while the heatwave is expected to persist through Wednesday (22/07).
