Southern Europe is sweltering under an extreme heat wave, leading to significant disruptions and unprecedented temperatures. The Acropolis in Greece, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, was shut down for five hours on Wednesday due to soaring temperatures. Visitors, like Toby Dunlap from Pennsylvania, were urged to visit early and stay hydrated as the Red Cross distributed chilled water.

Temperatures across the region are forecast to peak at 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), driven by hot air masses from Africa. This heat wave has led to numerous measures to protect residents and tourists. In Athens, those who braved the heat to visit the Acropolis sought shelter and refreshment soon after their tours.

In Italy, the heat wave has proven deadly, with two firefighters losing their lives while battling a blaze in Basilicata. Several cities, including Palermo and Verona, have issued severe heat warnings, advising elderly residents to stay indoors and setting up sprinklers to cool pedestrians. Rome’s zoo is planning to provide popsicles to animals as temperatures are expected to exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).

Tourists and locals alike are struggling to cope with the extreme conditions. Carmen Díaz from Madrid described the heat in Rome as “hellishly hot,” while Patrizia Valerio likened it to being in an oven. These high temperatures follow a summer of unusual weather patterns, including freak storms, which many attribute to climate change.

Across the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has recorded its highest-ever sea temperatures, nearly reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat has led to record power consumption in Serbia and forced Albania to adjust working hours for civil servants. North Macedonia is battling extensive wildfires, with international assistance from neighboring countries.

While Paris remains relatively cool, temperatures are expected to rise later in the week. This extreme weather underscores the urgent challenges posed by climate change, with scientists warning that heat waves are becoming more intense and frequent due to human activities.

Southern Europe’s ongoing heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for adaptive measures.