ATHENS – A rainy, cooler spring in Greece has given way to an overnight blast of heat that could bring temperatures to 104 degrees in some parts of the country for days and led health officials to issue guidelines on how to deal with it.

In an emergency bulletin, the National Observatory’s Meteo weather service advised that young children, the elderly and people with health problems drink plenty of water, take only light meals, avoid all unnecessary exposure and physical exertion, said Kathimerini.

Those who do go outdoors were told to wear light clothing and keep their heads covered with a hat or umbrella to keep the sun off, while also being asked to check on the elderly or people living alone for their safety.

The site Meteo said the heat wave came in from North Africa and would sweep through most parts of mainland Greece and the Peloponnese and keep rising through the week with unusually high humidity adding to the discomfort.

It's hitting just as more tourists are beginning to enter the country during the waning COVID-19 pandemic, lured by the good weather, beaches, islands and getting away on vacation. There could also be thunderstorms as well.