The view from Kathimerini’s offices, Saturday. [Kathimerini]
High levels of Saharan dust have enveloped the southern part of Athens since 9 a.m., creating a thick fog and resulting in limited visibility.
The phenomenon also affects other areas of the Attica basin.
Weathermen had warned that Saharan dust would cover the region over the weekend.
The frequency and intensity of Saharan dust phenomena in Greece can vary from year to year, from 7 to 20 episodes (average 13 episodes/year), depending on atmospheric conditions and the amount of dust transported from the Sahara.
The increase in particles in the atmosphere can worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, the Hellenic Pulmonary Society warned.