Acropolis shuts down as Greece faces sizzling 109°F heatwave
On Wednesday, during the hottest part of the day, the Acropolis in Athens was closed due to extremely high temperatures. Authorities made this decision to ensure the safety of both tourists and employees. In some regions of Greece, thermometers were expected to reach 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
3:46 PM EDT, July 17, 2024
Greece already experienced extremely high temperatures in June, sometimes exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit, although they usually are not higher than 86-88 degrees during this month.
A new heatwave that has hit Greece is expected to last until Sunday. According to the AMNA agency, the highest temperatures are predicted for Wednesday and Thursday, especially in the mainland areas to the west, center, and north.
The Ministry of Culture announced that the archaeological site at the Acropolis would be closed on Wednesday from noon to 5 PM (6 AM-11 AM Eastern Time). 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 hazard, emphasizes the eKathimerini portal. On Wednesday, while extinguishing a fire that broke out near the town of Sofiko on the Peloponnesian Peninsula, two firefighters were injured.
From Tuesday to Thursday, between noon and 5 PM, there is a ban on outdoor work for people employed in certain industries, such as delivery workers and construction workers.
Meteorologists predict that heatwaves will frequently and intensively hit Greece in the summer. Last winter was the warmest in the country's recorded history.
