Amidst scorching temperatures reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), Greece has implemented measures to safeguard its citizens and tourists from the intense heat wave. On Thursday, several ancient tourist sites, including the renowned Acropolis in Athens, were closed as temperatures soared due to winds from North Africa.
As the heatwave persisted for a third consecutive day, Greece saw the closure of more tourist attractions and the provision of refuge for elderly individuals in designated air-conditioned spaces. Schools and nurseries across the country were also shut to ensure the safety of students during the extreme weather conditions, with expectations of the heat receding by Saturday.
In Athens, both tourists and locals resorted to various methods to beat the heat. Tourists sought relief at drinking fountains, while locals took refuge in air-conditioned rooms provided by the city administration, using handheld fans to create a cooling breeze.
Meanwhile, firefighters remained on high alert following several wildfires that were extinguished on Wednesday, anticipating strong winds that could pose further challenges in different parts of Greece.
Greece has been grappling with the impacts of climate change, experiencing rising temperatures that have contributed to deadly fires and erratic weather patterns in recent years. Athens, in particular, known for its densely populated urban areas, faces elevated temperatures, making it one of the hottest cities in Europe.
To mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has initiated efforts to create more shade by planting 2000 trees across the city. He emphasized the importance of reducing the felt-air temperature, especially in areas where concrete and city roads significantly elevate temperatures compared to shaded locations.
The ongoing heatwave serves as a reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures and climate adaptation strategies to address the escalating impacts of global warming in regions like Greece.
Sources By Agencies
