Greece shuts Acropolis during the hottest part of the day as southern Europe swelters in a heat wave

Greece’s Culture Ministry has ordered the closure of the Acropolis — the country’s biggest cultural attraction — for several hours in the middle of the day, while authorities warn of extreme heat as southern Europe swelters in sizzling temperatures. Meteorologists say the hot air from Africa is forecast to continue baking Greece for several more days and at least through Sunday, with the heat wave peaking on Wednesday and Thursday when temperatures were expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit). Authorities shut down the Acropolis from noon to 5 p.m. while municipalities were making air-conditioned indoor spaces available to the public.