A new wave of Saharan dust is expected to sweep across Greece from Friday, bringing reduced air quality and muddy rain, according to the National Observatory of Athens’ AtmoHub service.
The phenomenon is forecast to initially affect western parts of the country, including the Ionian Islands, the Peloponnese, Epirus, western mainland areas and Crete.
On Saturday, the dust cloud is expected to move further east, reaching Central Greece and Thessaly, while also affecting – to a lesser extent – islands in the northern Aegean.
PM10 particle concentrations are projected to reach between 50 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter in several areas, exceeding local air quality limits, AtmoHub said.
At the same time, so-called rain dust is forecast. Light rainfall carrying dust particles is expected to begin on Thursday, intensifying from early Friday in western Greece. The weather system is then expected to spread northwards by Friday afternoon, impacting regions including Macedonia and Thrace.
Authorities advise residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to monitor updates and limit outdoor activity during peak dust concentrations.
More details and live updates are available via the AtmoHub forecast portal.
Coordinated by National Observatory of Athens, AtmoHub brings together national partners from universities, research institutes, and industry to strengthen air-quality services in Greece.