Greece Heatwave: Asphalt Reaches 60°C, Surfaces Exceed 75°C
A severe heatwave is affecting Greece, causing extreme surface temperatures. Asphalt on roads has been measured at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). More alarmingly, the surfaces of rooftops and parked vehicles have registered temperatures exceeding 75 degrees Celsius (167 degrees Fahrenheit).
Thermal imaging vividly illustrated the intense heat, with building rooftops and stationary cars appearing almost white in the infrared spectrum, indicating their exceptionally high temperatures. This extreme heat poses significant risks to infrastructure and public health.
The extreme surface temperatures recorded during this heatwave highlight the significant impact of solar radiation on urban environments. The discrepancy between ambient air temperature and surface temperatures, particularly on dark asphalt and vehicle surfaces, underscores the importance of considering material properties and urban heat island effects in infrastructure planning. As climate change intensifies, such events may become more frequent, necessitating adaptive strategies in building design, material selection, and urban planning to mitigate heat absorption and improve public safety during extreme weather.
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