The authorities of Greece They decided to close the Acropolis of Athensbefore the heat wave unusual that affects the country. Temperatures exceeded 40 °C this Thursday, June 13, 2024 in much of the center and south of Greeceincluding the metropolitan area of Athensthe Cyclades and Crete islands.
The Ministry of Culture reported that the archaeological site will remain closed from noon to five in the afternoon, local time, due to extreme heat.
The closing of the Acropolis It not only affects this emblematic site, but also other archaeological sites in the Greek capital, which will remain closed during those same hours. People who had booked visits for that period will be able to use their tickets at a later time, until the sites close at 8:00 p.m. local time, as published by the agency. EFE.
Authorities are on high alert due to the risk of forest fireswhich are common in Greece each summer. Vasilis Kikiliasthe minister responsible for civil protection, highlighted that “the early onset of heat waves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season.”
This warning is especially relevant considering that the Greek National Meteorological Service (EMI) expects temperatures to reach peaks of 43°C in central Greece and 42°C in Athens.
Additionally, there is concern about the high concentration of Saharan dust in the atmosphere in some regions of the country, exacerbating the already difficult conditions caused by The high temperaturesaccording to him Athens National Observatory.
According to the agency AP, the greek government has taken additional measures to protect citizens in the face of this climate crisis, allowing teleworking for officials and recommending employees who work outdoors avoid the hottest hours, between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Air-conditioned rooms and spaces have also been set up so that citizens, especially vulnerable people such as the elderly and children, can take refuge.
Primary schools and daycare centers in the capital and several regions in the center and south of Greece They will remain closed during these days of extreme heat. In Thessalonikithe second largest city in the country, it was decided to keep school activities until 11:30 local time, to avoid the hottest hours.
The Greek Ministry of Culture expressed concern about a potential repetition of these measures if conditions do not improve.
The weather forecast suggests that temperatures will begin to drop starting Friday, June 14, returning to more typical levels for the season over the weekend. During the month of June, temperatures in Greece They usually range between 20 °C and 33 °C, a range that has been surpassed by the extreme heat of these days, a situation that used to occur only in July or August.
