The iconic Acropolis in Athens has temporarily shut its doors as Greece grapples with a fierce heatwave, officially closing from 1 PM to 5 PM local time, according to the culture ministry. The country is bracing for scorching temperatures, with predictions soaring up to 42°C (107°F). Alongside this heat, a category four wildfire warning is in effect across several regions.
This closure is not unprecedented; extreme summer heat has previously led to similar decisions in June and last July, prioritizing the safety of both staff and the millions of visitors who frequent the site annually. As part of the response to the heat crisis, the labor ministry has imposed a mandatory five-hour rest period for outdoor workers during the hottest part of the day.
Greece is not alone in facing the consequences of this intense heat. On Monday alone, 41 wildfires ignited throughout the country, with many rapidly contained, although several remained active into the evening. Nearby regions, including parts of France and Spain, are also battling wildfires fueled by high temperatures and drought.
The UN warns that heatwaves are increasingly frequent due to climate change, forecasting that extreme weather events will continue to rise as global temperatures increase. With vigilance urged among the public and emergency services on standby, Greece and its neighbors are taking necessary precautions amidst this summer's brutal heatwave.
This closure is not unprecedented; extreme summer heat has previously led to similar decisions in June and last July, prioritizing the safety of both staff and the millions of visitors who frequent the site annually. As part of the response to the heat crisis, the labor ministry has imposed a mandatory five-hour rest period for outdoor workers during the hottest part of the day.
Greece is not alone in facing the consequences of this intense heat. On Monday alone, 41 wildfires ignited throughout the country, with many rapidly contained, although several remained active into the evening. Nearby regions, including parts of France and Spain, are also battling wildfires fueled by high temperatures and drought.
The UN warns that heatwaves are increasingly frequent due to climate change, forecasting that extreme weather events will continue to rise as global temperatures increase. With vigilance urged among the public and emergency services on standby, Greece and its neighbors are taking necessary precautions amidst this summer's brutal heatwave.
