Greece is experiencing its earliest-ever heat wave, forcing the closure of the iconic Acropolis of Athens, the country's most-visited tourist site. On Wednesday, temperatures soared above 43 degrees Celsius in central Greece, prompting health warnings and the closure of schools.
The UNESCO-listed archaeological marvel was closed to the public from midday until 5 p.m., as the intense heat made it unsafe for visitors. Meteorologists are predicting that temperatures could reach up to 44 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with the capital expecting highs of up to 43 degrees.
Experts warn that this heat wave marks a significant departure from historical weather patterns. \"This heat wave will go down in history,\" said meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos on state TV ERT. \"In the 20th century we never had a heat wave before June 19. We have had several in the 21st century, but none before June 15,\" he added.
The unprecedented weather phenomenon has not only disrupted daily life but also impacted tourism, as visitors adjust their schedules to avoid the extreme temperatures.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
