Heat forces Greek authorities to shut down Acropolis during afternoon hours for a second day running
Tourists take pictures as they stand outside the closed ancient Agora under Acropolis hill, during a hot day in Athens on June 13, 2024, as Greek government decided to close the archaeological sites from 12:00 to 17:00 (local time). Several archaeological sites in Greece, including the Acropolis in Athens, closed during the hottest hours of the day on June 13, the Culture Ministry said, as the first wave of scorching days of the year was expected to "peak" later in the day. AFP-Yonhap
Authorities in Greece are closing down the Acropolis in Athens during the afternoon on Thursday for a second day as the country swelters under unseasonably high temperatures.
The Culture Ministry said the hilltop citadel, which is Greece's most popular ancient site, would be closed from midday to 5 p.m. (0900-1400 GMT) because of the heat.
All other archaeological sites in the Greek capital were closed during the same hours. People who had booked visits for that period could use their tickets later in the day until the sites close at 8 p.m., the ministry said.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 C (104 F) on Thursday in much of central and southern Greece, including greater Athens, the Cyclades and Crete.
Officials are on heightened alert for wildfires, which plague Greece every summer.
The minister responsible for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said Thursday posed a particular wildfire risk due to the combination of high temperatures and winds.
“The early start of the heat waves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season,” he said.
The fire service also warned of a very high wildfire threat on Friday.
Authorities in Athens are providing air-conditioned areas to the public and have issued fans to secondary schools where end-of-year and university entrance exams are being held.
Temperatures are expected to drop on Friday and Saturday. (AP)