Foreign Office warns UK tourists from Greece, Cyprus and Turkey ‘sentencing yourself to prison’

Tourists heading to Cyprus, Greece or Turkey from the UK have been issued a “red alert” for rising temperatures as the heatwave reaches 44C. Britons heading abroad have been warned after four tourists died on Greek islands in recent days.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service published a weather warning at the beginning of this week, which stated: “Friday (14.6.2024) the temperature will drop in the west, center and north, but in the rest of the areas it will remain very high. high levels, while from the afternoon hours a change of weather is expected in northern Greece with storms accompanied by strong winds.”

“In the north of the continent the maximum temperature will reach 34 to 36 degrees, and in the center of Macedonia 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum values ​​will be around 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. In the rest of the continent, the maximum temperature will reach 36 to 38 degrees. , in the interior of Sterea, Thessaly and the Peloponnese 39 degrees Celsius, while the minimum values ​​will be around 25 to 27 degrees.”

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“In the island nation, the maximum temperature will reach 34 to 36 degrees, and in the islands of the eastern Aegean, the Dodecanese and the interior of Crete 37 to 39 and possibly 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum values ​​will be around values ​​of 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. .

“It is noted that over the weekend, across the country, the temperature will drop by six to eight degrees and return to normal levels for the season. At the same time, strong northerly winds will prevail.” In addition to the skyrocketing mercury in Greece, Cyprus is dealing with fires and has recorded highs of 39 degrees Celsius.

The Cyprus Meteorological Department issued a “maximum extreme weather warning” and added: “Take action, extremely high temperatures are expected. Protect and support your vulnerable people. Act on the advice given by the authorities. Expect possible infrastructure failures.”

In Turkey, there are still more fires – and the mercury could reach 45C. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns: “During the summer, wild fires occur frequently in Turkey. You could be fined or jailed for lighting a fire of any kind or for throwing cigarettes in hazardous areas such as forests. Grills are prohibited in these areas.

“If there is a bushfire in your area, the local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.” It added: “There are active fires throughout Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and on a number of islands.

“Fires are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Follow “112 Greece” on X (formerly known as Twitter) for official updates.” About Cyprus, it adds: “Forest fires and wildfires often occur in the summer months due to the dry and hot weather.

“Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable. Take care when visiting or driving through forest areas. Smoke properly and do not light barbecues outside designated areas. If you see a fire, call emergency services on 112 or 1407.”