Saharan Dust Blankets Greece, Triggering Health Alerts and Disrupting Visibility
A significant episode of Saharan dust transport is impacting much of Greece today, , with particularly high concentrations over Attica. Conditions resemble a dense “dust haze,” according to reports. The atmosphere is described as murky and unbreathable, with visibility drastically reduced in urban areas. Iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus are barely visible through the thick layer of suspended mineral particles.
The phenomenon is attributed to the influx of strong southwesterly winds at altitude, associated with the passage of a warm front over the eastern Mediterranean. This meteorological configuration favors the lifting and transport of large quantities of dust from North Africa towards Greece.
Forecasts indicate that the area with the highest concentration of aerosols extends across south-central Greece today, including Thrace, where the sky exhibits yellow-orange to greenish hues, typical of sunlight diffraction by suspended particles.
The Saharan dust event is affecting almost the entire country, with particularly high values also reported in northern Greece. Cities like Komotini are experiencing scenes described as “dystopian” or “Martian,” with visibility reduced to just a few hundred meters.
Similar episodes of this intensity were observed in and , particularly in Crete and the southern regions, with comparable atmospheric conditions.
According to predictive data from AtmoHub, the Dust Regional and Copernicus CAMS models, the peak concentrations are occurring between late morning and afternoon today.
As the front passes and the winds shift direction this evening, more humid air masses and “mud rain” – or rain mixed with dust – are expected to favor the gradual deposition of dust and a progressive improvement in visibility by the morning of .
Health Impacts and Recommendations
During these episodes of high atmospheric particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations, sensitive individuals – people with asthma, respiratory or cardiovascular conditions – are advised to limit physical activity outdoors and to keep indoor environments closed during peak intensity hours.
The use of high-efficiency filtering masks and thorough cleaning of exterior surfaces after episodes of sand-laden rain can help reduce direct exposure to fine particles. Authorities are specifically advising children and infants, people over 65, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases to exercise caution.
Exposure to Saharan dust has been associated with eye irritation (itching, watery eyes, tearing), upper respiratory system irritation (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, hoarseness), and lower respiratory system irritation (difficulty breathing, persistent cough, chest pain).
The African dust also carries potential health risks beyond respiratory issues. Studies have shown that African dust clouds often transport toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, nickel, chromium, vanadium, and zinc, which, when inhaled, can contribute to increased hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
The frequency and intensity of these dust events have been increasing over the last decade, a trend attributed to intensifying desertification in the Sahara due to climate change.
