Acropolis Temporarily Shuts Down Amid Greece’s Sweltering Heatwave: What You Need to Know

The Acropolis in Athens will close temporarily on Tuesday due to soaring temperatures in Greece. The landmark, which houses many ancient ruins, will shut down from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time. Forecasters expect highs of 42°C (107°F) in parts of the country, and there’s a category four wildfire warning in several regions.

This isn’t the first time the Acropolis has closed due to heat. Just last summer, extreme temperatures forced similar closures in June and July. The Greek Culture Ministry states that the shutdown is necessary for the safety of both visitors and workers.

In light of the extreme heat, the labor ministry has also mandated a five-hour work stoppage for outdoor workers in areas most affected. Temperatures are expected to peak at 41°C on Wednesday, with the government issuing a category five wildfire warning for four regions: Attica, central Greece, the Peloponnese, and Thessaly.

The public has been urged to stay alert as this heatwave escalates. The situation is dire, as over 41 wildfires ignited across Greece on Monday alone, with seven still active by evening. Emergency services are on high alert.

Similar conditions are occurring across Europe. In Spain’s Catalonia, over 18,000 residents received evacuation orders due to a major wildfire in Tarragona, which has spread across nearly 3,000 hectares. The military has deployed emergency units to assist over 300 firefighters battling the blaze.

In France, nearby fires have caused Marseille Provence Airport to shut its doors temporarily. Thousands in western and southern Europe face the impacts of a severe early summer heatwave that has already led to evacuations and property damage.

According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, such heatwaves are becoming more frequent due to man-made climate change. They warn that as temperatures rise, we can expect more intense heat events in the future.

The climate crisis is real, and understanding its effects can help us prepare for what lies ahead.



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