A heat wave continued to grip Greece on Tuesday, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius for a fourth consecutive day, sending residents in major cities in search of relief in shaded areas, air-conditioned spaces, parks and beaches.

A heat wave is expected to push temperatures toward 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Greece, with above-normal temperatures forecast to persist through the middle of next week.

The City of Athens is placing municipal services on heightened alert as temperatures are forecast to soar in the capital.