In response to record high temperatures, the Acropolis, one of Greece’s most iconic landmarks, will be closed on Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, as announced by the culture ministry. With temperatures in parts of the country projected to reach 42°C (107°F), safety concerns for both visitors and staff have prompted this decision.
The extreme heat is part of a broader weather crisis hitting Greece and other European countries, leading to severe wildfire threats. Recent weeks have seen parts of France and Spain struggle with fire outbreaks, and Greece reported 41 wildfires on Monday, with 34 under control and seven still active. The government has issued a Category 4 wildfire warning for multiple regions including Attica and the Peloponnese.
For public safety, the Greek labor ministry has mandated a work stoppage for outdoor laborers from noon to 5 PM, coinciding with the peak heat hours. As the country endures this heatwave, authorities are advising citizens to remain cautious.
Forecasters predict the heat wave to persist into Wednesday, with southern regions experiencing similarly high temperatures before respite begins on Thursday. This surge in temperatures exemplifies a worrying trend tied to climate change, as emphasized by UN reports stating that extreme weather events will become increasingly frequent and intense as global warming continues.
In other affected areas, over 1,000 firefighters are currently battling a significant wildfire in southwestern France, leading to emergency evacuations and road closures. Meanwhile, Catalonia remains in lockdown due to ongoing fire threats.
The alarming rise in heatwaves marks a significant challenge for European nations, with increased occurrences attributed to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the pressing need for proactive measures.
The extreme heat is part of a broader weather crisis hitting Greece and other European countries, leading to severe wildfire threats. Recent weeks have seen parts of France and Spain struggle with fire outbreaks, and Greece reported 41 wildfires on Monday, with 34 under control and seven still active. The government has issued a Category 4 wildfire warning for multiple regions including Attica and the Peloponnese.
For public safety, the Greek labor ministry has mandated a work stoppage for outdoor laborers from noon to 5 PM, coinciding with the peak heat hours. As the country endures this heatwave, authorities are advising citizens to remain cautious.
Forecasters predict the heat wave to persist into Wednesday, with southern regions experiencing similarly high temperatures before respite begins on Thursday. This surge in temperatures exemplifies a worrying trend tied to climate change, as emphasized by UN reports stating that extreme weather events will become increasingly frequent and intense as global warming continues.
In other affected areas, over 1,000 firefighters are currently battling a significant wildfire in southwestern France, leading to emergency evacuations and road closures. Meanwhile, Catalonia remains in lockdown due to ongoing fire threats.
The alarming rise in heatwaves marks a significant challenge for European nations, with increased occurrences attributed to human-induced climate change, emphasizing the pressing need for proactive measures.
