ATHENS,12th June, 2024 (WAM) -- The Hellenic Republic shut the ancient Acropolis tourist site, suspended schools and stationed medics across Athens on Wednesday as it faced the first heatwave of the summer, Reuters reported.
Temperatures were expected to hit 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) on Wednesday and Thursday in parts of the Mediterranean country, driven by southerly winds bringing hot air and dust from North Africa.
The Acropolis hill, home to one of the world's most famous archaeological sites that includes the Parthenon temple, was closed from 9:00-14:00 GMT and Red Cross staff handed out bottles of water to tourists.
Many primary schools and nurseries across the country will shut for two days.
The Hellenic Republic is one of the most climate-impacted countries in Europe. Last year, rising temperatures fuelled deadly wildfires and erratic rains caused some of the worst flooding on record, both of which damaged crops and livelihoods.
Last winter was the hottest on record and rainfall was low, creating the conditions for more fires, scientists say.