In response to scorching temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius (109 F), Greece's Culture Ministry ordered the closure of the Acropolis, the country's iconic cultural attraction, for several hours on Wednesday. The extreme heat wave, caused by hot air streaming in from Africa, is expected to persist for several more days.

Authorities took preventative measures by shutting down the Acropolis from noon to 5 p.m., urging people to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day. Air-conditioned indoor spaces were made available to the public to seek reprieve from the sweltering conditions. Municipalities stepped up efforts to keep citizens cool and hydrated as the heat wave peaked on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tourists flocked to the Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis in the early morning, eager to explore the site before the closure. The Red Cross provided chilled bottled water and information fliers to visitors waiting in line, ensuring their comfort and safety in the scorching weather.

Travelers shared their experiences of the intense heat, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. Toby Dunlap, a visitor from Pennsylvania, acknowledged the challenging conditions, saying, "If you don't come prepared, you're going to sweat." Jordan Lilley from Newcastle in Britain also expressed his discomfort, stating, "Even after 10 minutes, I'm feeling the heat."

The heat wave extended beyond Greece's borders, affecting neighboring countries as well. Albania rescheduled working hours for civil servants, allowing some to work from home to alleviate the impact of the heat. In Italy, Palermo, Sicily, was added to the list of 13 cities under a severe heat warning, with the anticipation of another city, Bolzano, being added on Thursday.

Italy responded to the heat wave by encouraging the use of public water fountains and providing assistance to the elderly. In Verona, sprinklers were used in public parks to help passersby cool down during the late afternoons.

Unfortunately, the hot and dry conditions exacerbated the threat of wildfires. Greece saw firefighters battling blazes, including a large one in a pine forest in Corinth, southern Greece. In North Macedonia, multiple wildfires broke out, with one significant blaze stretching across nearly 30 kilometers (21 miles). Nearby countries, including Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Romania, and Turkey, sent firefighting aircraft to assist in controlling the flames.

The Turkish municipality of Istanbul issued a heat warning, anticipating temperatures to rise 3-6 degrees Celsius (37-43 F) above seasonal norms until July 28. In western Turkey, firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft, managed to bring a wildfire near the town of Bergama under control after it ignited due to strong winds.

In response to the dangerous conditions, Greece's government declared a nationwide state of emergency for one month. Measures include a ban on access to forest areas to reduce the risk of wildfires.

As the heat wave persists, authorities and citizens alike are taking precautions to mitigate the impact and ensure the well-being of everyone during this sweltering period.