ATHENS

A heat wave that has hit Greece earlier this week is expected to reach its peak Saturday with temperatures reaching up to 43 C (109 F), according to weather officials.

The temperature in Western Macedonia will reach up to 38 C (100.4 F) while it is forecast to top 41 C (105.8 F) in the rest of northern Greece, said the Meteorological Service of the National Observatory of Athens.

Central Greece is expected to sweat under 43 C (110 F), Epirus 41 C (105.8 F) and the rest of the mainland 42 C (107.6 F). On the Ionian Islands, the temperature may rise up to 39 C (102.2 F).

The meteorological body also said that African dust will rise in the atmosphere.

The heat wave that started sweeping into Greece from northern Africa earlier this week prompted authorities to issue health safety guidelines, advising young children, the elderly, and people with health issues to avoid unnecessary exposure to the heat outside.

Central Greece is expected to have the highest temperatures.