Greece heatwave: Acropolis, schools temporarily close as temperatures swelter

Greece temporarily shut the ancient Acropolis tourist site for the hottest part of the day, suspended schools and stationed medics across Athens on Wednesday as it faced the first heatwave of the summer.

Temperatures were expected to hit 43 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday in parts of the Mediterranean country, driven by southerly winds bringing hot air and dust from North Africa.

The Acropolis hill, home to one of the world's most famous archaeological sites that includes the Parthenon temple, was closed from noon to 5 p.m. local time and Red Cross staff handed out bottles of water to tourists.

Many primary schools and nurseries across the country will stay shut for two days.

Greece is one of the most climate-impacted countries in Europe. Last year, rising temperatures fuelled deadly wildfires and erratic rains caused some of the worst flooding on record, both of which damaged crops and livelihoods.

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