Acropolis closes as Greece swelters under record heatwave
On Wednesday, during the hottest part of the day, the Acropolis in Athens was closed due to extremely high temperatures. The authorities decided to ensure the safety of tourists and workers. In some regions of Greece, thermometers were expected to reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
Greece experienced extremely high temperatures in June, sometimes exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, although they usually do not surpass 86-88°F during this month.
Another heatwave is expected to last at least until Sunday in Greece. According to the AMNA agency, the highest temperatures are predicted for Wednesday and Thursday, especially in the mainland part of the country, in the west, centre, and north.
The Ministry of Culture announced that the archaeological site on the Acropolis would be closed on Wednesday from noon to 5 PM (11 AM-4 PM in Poland). This most popular tourist attraction in the country was also closed during the heatwave in June.
Services are on high alert due to the fire risk, emphasises the eKathimerini portal. On Wednesday, while extinguishing a fire that broke out near the town of Sofiko on the Peloponnese Peninsula, two firefighters were injured.
From Tuesday to Thursday, during the hours of 12 PM to 5 PM, a ban on outdoor work is in effect in some sectors, such as delivery workers and construction workers.
Meteorologists predict that heatwaves will frequently and intensely hit Greece during the summer. Last winter was the warmest in the country's measurement history.
