Scorching Athens: Thermal Drone Captures 53°C in Heatwave Crisis

Athens is sweltering under an intense heatwave, with ground temperatures soaring to extreme levels. At 8:45 AM, a thermal imaging drone operated by ERT, Greece’s public broadcaster, recorded staggering surface temperatures above Attiko Alsos in Galatsi as part of the Connections program.

The drone’s real-time footage revealed the severity of the heat even before midday.

Thermal images showed ground temperatures ranging from 30–35°C in cooler areas (marked in dark blue) to 40°C in others (indicated in green). In some spots, the apparent temperature reached a scorching 53°C, according to ERT’s report.

Equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology, the drone accurately captured the heat radiating from both green spaces and concrete roads below, highlighting the stark contrast in urban heat distribution. The footage underscores the extreme conditions impacting the city as Greece battles this relentless heatwave.

(Source: To Vima)