..ATHENS, GREECE - JULY 23, 2025: As a heatwave grips Greece, residents of the capital Athens sought respite from soaring temperatures on Wednesday, July 23, by resting in shaded areas and cooling off in ornamental fountains. With the mercury climbing well above seasonal averages, locals and tourists alike were seen gathering in public parks and around water features across the city. At Syntagma Square, a soldier on duty was spotted wiping the forehead of an Evzone guard standing in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Greek Parliament – a rare moment of relief for the traditionally motionless ceremonial guards. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) updated an emergency bulletin, forecasting that Thursday and Friday will bring the highest temperatures. The mercury will be as high as 42 °C (107 °F) in Athens and the northern port city of Thessaloniki, and 43 °C in the west Friday.