UK tourists heading to Greece have been urged to “stay safe” as the country grapples with a severe heatwave. The mercury has rocketed to a sweltering 43C, leading to closures of schools and popular tourist destinations due to the extreme heat.
The current weather conditions are being fuelled by southerly winds carrying hot air and dust from North Africa. The severity of the heatwave is such that it poses a risk to life, prompting the closure of the Acropolis, which attracted four million visitors last year, between 9am and 2pm (GMT) on Wednesday.
In response to the soaring temperatures, primary schools and nurseries in the southern regions of the country will remain shut until Friday. Red Cross workers have also been spotted distributing water bottles to tourists.
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Rubbish collection services have been suspended for several hours as well. To offer some respite from the heat, seven air-conditioned spaces have been made available to the public, according to Birmingham Live. Weather experts have noted that this is the earliest recorded heatwave, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“In the 20th century we never had a heatwave before June 19. We have had several in the 21st century, but none before June 15,” state TV meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos stated.
Fotis Pappous, an electrician, revealed that he began his workday a few hours earlier, at 6am, following instructions from his employer. “With this kind of heat, it would be too risky otherwise,” he commented.
“We have no choice, it’s the start of the tourist season,” added Elisavet Robou, a kebab shop owner. We have air conditioning and fans, and staff are allowed to take breaks, but unfortunately the climate crisis is here. Heatwaves came earlier this year and the season will be difficult.”
“Exams should not have been held under these conditions,” said a pupil who saw their exams and lessons cancelled amid the stifling heat. A teacher added: “There was no air conditioning in any of the rooms so we used fans, some of which the teachers brought from their own homes.”