The Ministry of Culture announced today that all major archaeological sites in Athens, including the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Kerameikos Cemetery, will be closed from noon until 5 PM on Thursday.
This closure comes in response to anticipated high temperatures in the Greek capital.
Visitors who have already purchased tickets for this period can explore the sites once they reopen from 5 PM to 8 PM on the same day, the ministry confirmed. Additionally, the public is advised to take necessary precautions against the heat when visiting these sites, emphasising measures to prevent heat-related health issues such as heatstroke and exhaustion.
Meteorologists have labelled this as Greece's earliest recorded heat wave, defined as temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days.
"This heat wave will be remembered for its unprecedented early arrival," meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos remarked on state TV ERT. "In the 20th century, we never experienced a heat wave before June 19. Although we've seen several since the turn of the 21st century, none have occurred before June 15," he added.
Amidst heightened concerns over fire risk in the Attica region surrounding Athens, the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued warnings.
In response, schools in various regions, including the capital, remained closed on Wednesday and will continue to do so on Thursday. The Ministry of Labor has advised public-sector employees to work from home.
Additionally, the ministry has mandated a break from midday to 5:00 pm on Thursday for outdoor activities, including food delivery services.
Read more: Heatwave
(Source: Amna)
