A thick haze from Saharan dust has blanketed Athens and much of Greece, leading to a surge in temperatures and health warnings.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) predicts highs of up to 34 degrees Celsius in parts of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, and the Aegean islands, with even higher temperatures expected on Tuesday.
The northern regions of Greece are experiencing contrasting weather conditions, with cloudy skies and the possibility of storms, particularly in mountainous areas. Sailors are advised to exercise caution due to reduced visibility and winds reaching 6 Beaufort in the Aegean and Ionian seas.
The dust has created an “uncomfortable” atmosphere, experts say,with muddy showers and high humidity adding to the stifling conditions. The Attica region has seen skies turn a brown hue, prompting health officials to issue warnings about the risks of respiratory problems.
Meteorologists anticipate that the dusty conditions will persist until at least Wednesday. In Attica, the weather is expected to be initially cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius, cooler in the north and east. Macedonia, Thrace, and the Northern Aegean islands may experience local rains, while the Epirus region, central and western mainland, and the Peloponnese could see showers and isolated thunderstorms.
The Ministry of Health has recommended precautions to protect against the high dust levels, including staying indoors with closed windows and doors, using air conditioning recirculation systems, and avoiding indoor air contamination sources such as smoking and barbecuing. These measures aim to minimize the health impact of the Saharan dust, which has turned raindrops red and made outdoor activities potentially hazardous.