Greece’s iconic Acropolis, the ancient citadel towering over Athens, shut its gates during peak heat hours this week as the country battled its earliest-recorded heat wave in history. With temperatures hitting 43°C (109°F), the UNESCO World Heritage Site closed midday Wednesday to protect tourists and staff from scorching conditions. 😓
Meteorologists called the event 'historic,' noting temperatures surpassed 38°C (100°F) for three consecutive days earlier than ever before. 'This heat wave will go down in history,' said weather expert Panos Giannopoulos on Greek TV. 🔥 Schools across central Greece also closed, and officials urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities.
The heatwave peaked Thursday at 44°C (111°F), turning Athens into an 'urban furnace' and sparking concerns about climate-driven extremes. 🌍 Scientists warn such events could become more frequent—bad news for summer travel plans!
