Greece hit by a new episode of Sahara dust clouds

A new episode of thick clouds of Sahara dust occurred on Tuesday, April 23, in Athens and other regions of Greece. “This is the most serious episode of concentration of dust and sand transferred from the Sahara since March 21 and 22, 2018 when thick clouds invaded especially the island of Crete”says Kostas Lagouvardos, director of meteorological research at the Athens Observatory.

These clouds, giving the sky a yellow-orange color at the end of the afternoon, are the result of strong southerly winds which have blown in recent days, especially in the south of the country, bringing dust and sand from the Sahara. Since Monday, “high concentrations of dust flew over the country, reaching their maximum on Tuesday, limiting visibility”said the Greek meteorological service.

The phenomenon, which should subside on Wednesday, mainly affects Attica, the Athens region, the Peloponnese, Crete and the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. The most fragile people, suffering from respiratory problems, “should avoid going out”, warned the authorities. According to the Greek Meteorological Service, the dust clouds will also cause “mud showers”, “mainly in the north and west of the country”.