Greek authorities temporarily closed the Acropolis in Athens on Tuesday as a blistering heatwave grips the country, with temperatures expected to soar to 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Ministry of Culture announced the iconic archaeological site would be closed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the safety of workers and visitors. Similar closures occurred last summer during extreme heat events.
The shutdown comes as Greece enforces broader heat-related safety measures, including a mandatory five-hour midday work stoppage for outdoor laborers and food delivery personnel in central Greece and several islands, where temperatures are forecast to exceed 104°F.
Experts warn such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, heatwaves are intensifying due to human-driven climate change. Greek officials say they are working on long-term strategies to adapt to the rising threat.
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