Tourists, residents seek shade as temperatures soar in Athens to over 40 deg C
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DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
- Greece faces extreme heat with Athens exceeding 40 deg C, impacting locals and tourists.
- Outdoor work was restricted, remote work encouraged, and cooling centres opened for vulnerable groups.
- Tourists found the Acropolis particularly challenging due to heat and slippery marble conditions.
AI generated
ATHENS – Tourists visiting the Acropolis used umbrellas and fans to protect themselves, while locals retreated indoors, as temperatures over 40 deg C gripped the Greek capital on June 27.
Situated at Europe’s southernmost tip in the Mediterranean Sea, Greece has always had hot and dry summers.
But in recent years, climate change has led to longer and more severe heatwaves, as well as wildfires and destructive floods.
On June 27, the authorities banned outdoor activities for builders and delivery staff from 9am till 2pm and advised against unnecessary travel.
Workers had the option of switching to remote work to avoid possible heat exhaustion, while air-conditioned facilities were provided for the elderly.
“We have a really nice temperature in here,” said 80-year-old Maro Marneri at a community centre in Athens.
Tourists were less comfortable.
“We are all from Pennsylvania, and we have never really experienced a heatwave like this before,” Ms Antonia Lasen told Reuters.
“At the Acropolis, we were all very hot, and it was a little bit slippery to walk up.
“And the combination of the heat and the marble, I think it was hotter because of the cement, it was like a cement jungle almost, which is very hot.” REUTERS
Elderly people sheltering from the heat on June 27 at a municipal cooling centre in Athens.
PHOTO: REUTERS
