Clear / cloudy in Athens — 35°C, wind 19 km/h

Athens is baking under extreme heat this afternoon, with temperatures hitting 35°C — that's 95°F for anyone still thinking in old money — as Greece continues to grapple with another scorching summer day.

The Greek capital recorded the searing temperature at 2pm GMT on Monday, with conditions described as clear to partly cloudy. A moderate breeze of 19 kilometres per hour (about 12 miles per hour) is offering some relief, though not nearly enough to make standing in the sun comfortable.

What it actually feels like

For those of us more familiar with British summers, 35°C is genuinely hot — the sort of temperature where you'd think twice about popping to the shops, and where even the Greeks start seeking shade. It's well above the threshold meteorologists use for extreme heat warnings, and the sort of day where air conditioning stops being a luxury and becomes rather essential.

No rain has fallen, which is typical for an Athens August but does nothing to ease the heat. The city's ancient marble monuments will be radiating warmth well into the evening.

Summer pattern continues

Greece has been experiencing repeated heatwaves in recent summers, with temperatures regularly climbing into the mid-thirties and beyond. For locals, it means adjusting daily routines — working early, taking long afternoon breaks, and venturing out again only as the sun begins to set.

Tourists visiting the Acropolis and other archaeological sites are being reminded to carry water, wear hats, and take the heat seriously. What might seem like typical Mediterranean weather can catch visitors off guard, particularly those of us accustomed to rather more modest temperatures back home.

The wind, while not strong enough to be troublesome, is at least moving the air about a bit — better than the still, oppressive conditions that can make extreme heat even more unbearable.

Your turn

Have you been caught out by Mediterranean heat on holiday? Or perhaps you've got family or friends in Greece at the moment? Do share your experiences of coping with proper heat — we'd love to hear how you managed, or what tricks you learned for staying comfortable when the mercury climbs.