Greece Halts Outdoor Work Amid Soaring Heat and 'Explosive' Fire Risk

The emergency directive from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security suspends work from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in regions where temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C (104°F), including the greater Athens area of Attica, Thessaly, and other parts of the mainland.

The decision was made not only to protect workers from heat stress but also in coordination with the Civil Protection authority, which has placed numerous regions on high alert for fire danger. The move aims to limit human activity that could spark new blazes during the hottest and windiest part of the day.

The ban applies to all outdoor work, including construction, agriculture, and delivery services using bicycles or scooters. 

The order comes as hundreds of Greek firefighters are already battling major wildfires that have burned homes and forced evacuations near Athens and in other parts of the country since Thursday, fanned by the same hot, dry conditions.

The heatwave is forecast to peak on Friday with temperatures potentially reaching 42°C (108°F) inland before a sharp drop is expected over the weekend. However, the heat will be followed by strong winds, keeping the risk of wildfires dangerously high.