Athens: Greek authorities have ordered mandatory work stoppages in parts of the country as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C (104°F) amid a prolonged heatwave expected to last through Thursday.

The Labour Ministry announced that outdoor manual labour and food delivery services must pause operations between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm (0900-1400 GMT) in areas most affected, including central regions of the mainland and several islands. Employers have also been urged to allow remote working wherever possible.

The measures aim to protect workers from heat-related illness during the hottest hours of the day. However, no emergency restrictions have been introduced in the capital, Athens, where authorities say current temperatures, though high, remain within seasonal norms.

This latest heatwave follows a series of sweltering spells across southern Europe, prompting renewed concerns over the impact of climate change.

Officials in Greece have said they are implementing longer-term strategies to mitigate climate-related risks. This summer, a record number of firefighters have been deployed across the country as part of enhanced readiness for wildfires and extreme weather events.