Greek officials closed Acropolis due to heat for second time.

The Acropolis, a renowned ancient site in Athens, Greece, has been closed for a second day in a row due to the intense heatwave gripping the country. The Culture Ministry made the decision to close the hilltop citadel from midday until 5pm local time, along with all other archaeological sites in the capital. This was done in order to ensure the safety of visitors and protect the ancient ruins from any potential damage caused by the soaring temperatures.

For those who had already booked visits during the closure, the ministry has offered the option to use their tickets later in the evening until closing time at 8pm. This was a thoughtful gesture to accommodate visitors and allow them to still experience the Acropolis at a more comfortable time of day. The reason for the closure was due to temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius in central and southern Greece, including Athens and popular tourist destinations like the Cyclades and Crete.

With summer in full swing, officials are keeping a watchful eye for any potential wildfires that may occur. Vassilis Kikilias, the minister responsible for civil protection, expressed concern for the combination of high temperatures and strong winds on Thursday, which pose a heightened risk for wildfires. He also mentioned that the heatwave, combined with a dry winter, has made this fire season particularly challenging.

In light of the extreme weather conditions, the fire service has issued a warning for a very high wildfire threat tomorrow. In order to provide some relief to the public, authorities in Athens have set up air-conditioned areas for people to cool off and have distributed fans to secondary schools where important exams are being held. It's a small but helpful gesture to ensure the well-being of the community during this heatwave.

Thankfully, the intense heat is expected to subside in the coming days, giving some respite to the people of Greece. But for now, authorities are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone during this uncharacteristically hot summer.

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