Authorities in Athens announced the closure of the renowned tourist attraction Acropolis for five hours on Wednesday due to heat wave conditions, which also led to the closure of many schools.
The ancient site in the Greek capital, which received roughly 4 million tourists last year, was closed from midday to 5 p.m. as the temperature was expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius.
Elementary and preschool classes were also cancelled in areas of southern and central Greece with the highest temperatures.
Conditions worsened north of the capital when a fire at a cookware and food container business caused dense black smoke into the sky. Cellphone messages given by a government emergency response organisation warned locals to stay indoors.
In Athens, city officials stated that garbage collection would be halted for several hours Wednesday, and seven air-conditioned areas will be made available to the public. Drones equipped with infrared cameras scanned Athens to coordinate the public health response, according to officials.
Cooler weather is expected late Friday.
Video Credit: Associated Press
Greece: Acropolis tourist site closes due to rise in temperatures
