ATHENS — The extended heatwave that has gripped the country continued for a sixth day on Sunday, despite a slight easing of temperatures relative to the day before.

According to the latest forecasts from the National Observatory of Athens weather service meteo.gr, maximum temperatures on the mainland will exceed 39-40C in central and southern parts of the country, while even the islands will experience temperatures as high as 35-38C during the hottest parts of the day.

As of Sunday afternoon, the northeastern areas and mountains of Central Greece will see showers and local thunderstorms and possibly some hail in Eastern Macedonia-Thrace.

Many areas will meet all the criteria for a heatwave, such as hot, windless conditions, as well as high concentrations of dust in the atmosphere.