NEW DELHI: Greece closed more ancient tourist sites in Athens on Thursday as the country experienced its first summer heatwave for the third consecutive day.
The renowned Acropolis and nearby attractions were shut down in the afternoon due to winds from North Africa, which caused temperatures to soar towards 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).
To protect students from the heat, many primary schools and nurseries nationwide were closed. The heatwave is expected to subside on Saturday.
In Athens, tourists used drinking fountains to cool their heads and necks, while locals sought respite in air-conditioned rooms set up by the city, using hand-held fans to generate a breeze.
Meanwhile, firefighters remained on high alert after extinguishing several wildfires on Wednesday, as strong winds were anticipated in various parts of the country.
Greece is among the European countries most severely affected by global warming, with increasing temperatures leading to deadly fires and unpredictable rainfall in recent years.
Additionally, scientists warned that by 2050, summer temperatures in Athens could increase by an average of 2 degrees.
Athens mayor Haris Doukas has initiated the planting of 2000 trees in an effort to create more shade,
“Our first goal shall be to lower the median temperature, the felt-air temperature,” he told Reuters. “There are areas where the temperature is 15 or 20 times higher on cement or a city road, compared to a shady area,” said Doukas.
The renowned Acropolis and nearby attractions were shut down in the afternoon due to winds from North Africa, which caused temperatures to soar towards 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).
To protect students from the heat, many primary schools and nurseries nationwide were closed. The heatwave is expected to subside on Saturday.
In Athens, tourists used drinking fountains to cool their heads and necks, while locals sought respite in air-conditioned rooms set up by the city, using hand-held fans to generate a breeze.
Meanwhile, firefighters remained on high alert after extinguishing several wildfires on Wednesday, as strong winds were anticipated in various parts of the country.
Greece is among the European countries most severely affected by global warming, with increasing temperatures leading to deadly fires and unpredictable rainfall in recent years.
Additionally, scientists warned that by 2050, summer temperatures in Athens could increase by an average of 2 degrees.
Athens mayor Haris Doukas has initiated the planting of 2000 trees in an effort to create more shade,
“Our first goal shall be to lower the median temperature, the felt-air temperature,” he told Reuters. “There are areas where the temperature is 15 or 20 times higher on cement or a city road, compared to a shady area,” said Doukas.