Dust levels in Athens rise above safety thresholds

Thick African dust blanketed the Athens metropolitan area on Friday, reducing visibility and creating a hazy atmosphere across Attica. The dust, combined with heavy cloud cover, kept temperatures below 23 degrees Celsius, even in central Athens.

According to the National Observatory of Athens, the strong southerly winds responsible for transporting the dust are expected to weaken and shift westward by Saturday, helping to clear the skies.

Meteorologist Giorgos Tsatrafilias reported elevated dust concentrations in several regions, particularly Attica, the Peloponnese, and Crete, where levels exceeded 130 micrograms per cubic meter — nearly three times the safe limit. Elevated levels were also recorded in the Cyclades and Dodecanese.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts unsettled weekend weather, especially on Saturday, with rain and sporadic thunderstorms in western, central, and northern mainland regions, as well as in the northern and eastern Aegean islands. Dust transport will persist in the south.

Winds will gradually shift from southerly to westerly, with strong winds forecast in parts of the Aegean. Temperatures will drop slightly, ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Sunday is expected to be mostly clear, with brief showers possible in mountainous inland areas. Dust levels are expected to decrease.

Source: ekathimerini.com