The Acropolis of Athens is due to remain closed from 12pm to 5pm on Wednesday amid scorching heatwave temperatures in Greece, to protect both workers and guests, authorities have announced.
Temperatures are set to hit a roasting 43 degrees Celsius today (Wednesday, July 17) in regions across the country. Authorities are on call and alert for wildfires, which Greece suffers from every year.
Greece and most parts of southern, central and eastern Europe continue to experience an intense heatwave. According to the Hellenic Meteorological Service (EMY), which is the nation’s public national meteorological service, the heatwave will continue to ”roast” Greece for at least another two days.
This is not the first time this year that Greece has experienced soaring temperatures. Last month, the Acropolis in Athens, Greece’s most visited tourist site, had to remain closed to the public during the hottest hours of the day, as temperatures on June 12 and 13 reached a staggering 43 degrees Celsius.
Last month, the country experienced a mini-lockdown for two days because of this extreme weather, as schools and many public services had to shut down to protect children, teachers, employees and the general public alike.
What to do if you’re in Greece during a heatwave
Greece has been grappling with a severe summer heatwave with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for days now. Experts state that physical activities during the hottest parts of the day must be avoided and people should always seek shade whenever possible.
Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, is also essential. Additionally, clothing can be a useful ally during the hottest hours of the day. People are advised to wear loose, light-coloured clothing that reflects the light and lets air circulate underneath them.
People should also use location-sharing apps and inform someone of their whereabouts if they engage in activities such as hiking or simply walking in remote areas.
The sunshine and high temperatures are what make Greece such a beloved destination for many during the summer months; however, we should always be aware of the dangers extreme temperatures bring.
This current heatwave is not unlike the one Greece experienced in July 1987, when more than 1,300 people lost their lives.
It was July 22, 1987 when the thermometer began peaking alarmingly. The Greek newspaper Ta Nea reported at the time that the entire country was “boiling like a vast furnace” and that unusually high temperatures would continue to afflict residents of major cities until that Sunday, according to the National Meteorological Service.
However, that was only the beginning of the six-day long heatwave. The situation got out of control quite quickly. By July 25th, the death count had reached 300 and was rising.