Greece shuts Acropolis as southern Europe swelters in heat wave
The Peninsula
Athens, Greece: Greece s Culture Ministry ordered the Acropolis closed for several hours in the middle of the day Wednesday, while authorities warned...
Athens, Greece: Greece’s Culture Ministry ordered the Acropolis closed for several hours in the middle of the day Wednesday, while authorities warned of extreme conditions across much of the country as southern Europe sweltered in a heat wave that sent temperatures spiraling.
Meteorologists said the hot air from Africa was forecast to continue baking Greece for several more days and at least through Sunday, with the heat wave peaking on Wednesday and Thursday when temperatures were expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).
Authorities shut down Athens’ famed Acropolis, the country’s biggest cultural attraction, from noon to 5 p.m. while municipalities were making air-conditioned indoor spaces available to the public. People were warned to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, and drink water frequently.
Tourists hoping to visit the Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis queued early in the morning to beat the worst of the heat, while the Red Cross handed chilled bottled water and information fliers to those waiting in line.
"We got it done and got out quick, and now we’re going to some air conditions and some more libation and enjoy the day,” said Toby Dunlap, who was visiting from Pennsylvania and had just toured the Acropolis.
