::Heat Wave::

ATHENS, Greece -- A massive heat wave is expected to hit the Balkan region this week with temperatures rising to 42 degrees Celsius in Greece and 37 degrees Celsius in Romania, meteorologists say. Greece's National Meteorological Service (EMY) announced on Sunday (July 6th) that the sharp rise in temperatures should start on Tuesday with temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius expected on the Peloponnese peninsula and throughout the islands.

Greece's Electricity Power Corporation is on alert for possible failure of the power system due to overconsumption by air conditioners. Experts expect power consumption to reach 10,500 MW on Tuesday and Wednesday, nearly reaching last year's record of 10,600 MW.

Temperatures are expected to rise gradually over the course of the next few days before reaching as high as 42 Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country, including Attica, on Wednesday. Tomorrow and Wednesday are likely to be the hottest days of the year so far but the weather is expected to cool a little from Thursday.

Emergency services have been placed on alert and people have been warned to restrict their movements as much as possible. The authorities have also advised people to wear loose clothing, sunglasses and hats, drink plenty of water and refrain from alcohol. A number of local authorities, including those in Thessaloniki and Piraeus, have announced that they will be opening the doors of air-conditioned centers for members of the community, especially elderly people seek some respite from the heat.

+--> uhhh...i'm stil in Athens till this coming friday..oh noooooooooooooo....can u imagine?42 deg celcius??uhhh....hangus le akak!