Greece closes Acropolis, halts outdoor work as heat wave intensifies

Greece closed the Acropolis and limited outdoor work on Tuesday as a severe heat wave pushed temperatures above 40°C, marking the country’s second major heat event this season.

As Greece endured its second intense heat wave of the summer, authorities temporarily shut the Acropolis on Tuesday to protect tourists from soaring temperatures. The iconic ancient site in Athens closed as thermometers climbed to 38°C in the capital and were forecast to reach up to 41°C.

Despite the heat, some tourists visited the Acropolis before closure. 

The government also ordered a pause in outdoor work for vulnerable sectors, including construction, food delivery, and shipyards, particularly in Thessaloniki, the Peloponnese, and parts of mainland Greece. 

The Greek meteorological service said the heat wave would persist through Wednesday, with wildfire risks heightened due to forecasted gale-force winds.

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