British holidaymakers heading to Greece have been warned to “stay safe” as the country bakes in a heatwave. Temperatures have soared to as high as 43C with schools and tourist hotspots “shutting” due to the hot conditions.
It’s being driven by southerly winds bringing hot air and dust from North Africa. The heatwave is so severe that there is a danger to life forcing the Acropolis, which welcomes four million visitors last year, to close from 9am to 2pm (GMT) on Wednesday.
Primary schools and nurseries across the southern parts of the country were closed until Friday, while Red Cross medics were also seen handing out water bottles to tourists. Refuse collectors have been halted for several hours, too.
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To provide relief, seven air conditioned spaces have been opened to the public, Birmingham Live reports. Meteorologists have noted this is the earliest heatwave in recorded history. “In the 20th century we never had a heatwave before 19 June. We have had several in the 21st century, but none before 15 June,” said the state TV meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos.
Fotis Pappous, an electrician, said he had started his workday a few hours earlier, at 6am, on orders from his employer. “With this kind of heat, it would be too risky otherwise,” he said. “We have no choice, it’s the start of the tourist season,” said Elisavet Robou, a kebab store owner.
“We have air conditioning and fans, and staff are allowed to take breaks, but unfortunately the climate crisis is here.” She went on: “Heatwaves came earlier this year and the season will be difficult.” A teacher said: “There was no air conditioning in any of the rooms so we used fans, some of which the teachers brought from their own homes.”
“Exams should not have been held under these conditions,” said a pupil who saw their exams and lessons cancelled amid the stifling heat.