Athenian skies darken under Saharan dust dome

A dense dome of Saharan dust blanketed the Attica basin and southeastern Greece on Tuesday, creating a hazy atmosphere that is expected to intensify through Thursday, meteorologists said.

“The dust remained at higher altitudes, between 2,000 and 3,000 meters,” said Kostas Lagouvardos, research director at the National Observatory of Athens. He noted a yellowish layer over the Saronic Gulf, likely caused by stagnant vapor mixing with pollutant particles containing sulfur.

Dust levels are expected to peak midweek, particularly over Crete, the Peloponnese, central Greece, Thessaly, the Cyclades, and the Dodecanese, before easing Friday and returning over the weekend, Lagouvardos added.

Alongside the dust, warm air masses will raise temperatures 6-10C above average at 1,500 meters, although ground-level effects will vary based on wind and cloud cover.

Authorities urged vulnerable people to limit outdoor activity. Saharan dust can carry pollen, bacteria and fungi, posing health risks – especially for the respiratory system. 

Source: ekathimerini.com