Athens Heatwave: Acropolis Closes, Schools Canceled Amid Scorching Temps

The Acropolis in Athens was closed for five hours due to a heatwave, causing some schools to also cancel classes. The temperature reached 39 degrees Celsius, prompting further measures like halting garbage collection and opening air-conditioned spaces to the public.

Authorities in Athens have announced a temporary closure of the Acropolis, one of the city's most iconic sites, due to soaring heatwave temperatures. This heatwave has also led to the closure of several schools.

Temperatures reached a staggering 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) prompting city officials to close the Acropolis from midday until 5 pm. Last year, nearly 4 million tourists visited the historic site.

In addition to school closures, garbage collection services were suspended for several hours, and seven air-conditioned facilities were made available to the public. To manage the public health implications, drones equipped with thermal cameras are being utilized in Athens.

Relief is expected by late Friday when temperatures are forecasted to drop.