June 14th 2024.
The Acropolis in Athens, Greece has been temporarily closed for a second day in a row due to the intense heat wave that has been sweeping the country. The Culture Ministry, responsible for the preservation of Greece's ancient sites, made the decision to close the popular hilltop citadel from noon until 5pm local time. This move was made in order to protect visitors from the extreme temperatures and prevent any potential accidents or health issues.
Not just the Acropolis, but all other archaeological sites in Athens were also shut during the same hours. However, the ministry did mention that those who had already booked visits for that time period could still use their tickets later in the day until the sites closed at 8pm. This was a relief for many tourists and locals who were looking forward to exploring these historic sites.
The heat wave has affected much of central and southern Greece, including the capital city of Athens, the Cyclades islands, and Crete. Temperatures have soared past 40 degrees Celsius, causing concern for the safety of citizens and visitors. With the threat of wildfires always looming in the summer months, officials are on high alert and taking precautionary measures to prevent any potential disasters.
Vassilis Kikilias, the minister responsible for civil protection, has warned of the increased risk of wildfires on Thursday due to the combination of high temperatures and strong winds. He stated that the dry winter has only added to the difficulty of this year's fire season. The fire service has also issued a warning for a very high wildfire threat tomorrow, urging people to take necessary precautions.
In light of the heat wave, the authorities in Athens have provided air-conditioned areas for the public to seek refuge from the scorching heat. They have also distributed fans to secondary schools, where important exams are currently taking place. With temperatures expected to drop in the coming days, hopefully, the situation will improve and the public can resume their activities without any further disruptions.
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