ATHENS — High temperatures will continue to prevail in Greece for a fourth consecutive day on Friday, according to the weather service of the Athens National Observatory, meteo.gr.

It is highly probable that temperatures in some parts of the mainland may exceed 42 degrees Celsius, meteo said. High temperatures are also expected on the islands, with the mercury soaring as high as 37 to 38C in the Eastern Aegean and 38 to 39C on the Ionian islands.

Due to the weak winds and the extended heatwave, the temperature of the sea has increased. According to satellite reports, sea temperatures in the Aegean are around 27 to 28C, which is three to four degrees higher than normal for this time of year.

According to the Greek National Meteorological Office temperatures will remain as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Face masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus are no longer mandatory in uncrowded public spaces as of Thursday.