A strong wave of African dust is sweeping across Greece on Thursday, creating hazy skies, poor air quality and health concerns as high concentrations of airborne particles spread nationwide.
The phenomenon, caused by dust transported from North Africa, has significantly reduced visibility and made the atmosphere feel heavy and uncomfortable in many areas, particularly in major cities like Athens.
According to monitoring systems, dust levels reached 236 micrograms per cubic meter in Athens and 308 in Kalamata on Wednesday afternoon. Air quality measurements also showed elevated levels of particulate matter, with 37 micrograms per cubic meter in Athens and 44 in Patras.
Combined with high temperatures and seasonal pollen, the conditions have created a suffocating atmosphere, with many residents already reporting discomfort.
Data from the National Observatory’s DUST-WRF model show that the dust transport began on Tuesday and intensified through Thursday, which is expected to see persistently high concentrations throughout the day.
The episode is forecast to continue into Friday, when stronger “mud rain” showers—rain mixed with dust—are expected, especially in southern parts of the country. The situation is expected to improve over the weekend as northerly winds push the dust away.
Experts are urging caution, particularly for vulnerable groups such as people with respiratory conditions.
Doctors warn that fine particles carried by the dust can aggravate chronic illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affect the cardiovascular system, and trigger allergies or immune responses.
On Thursday, light and localized rainfall is expected in parts of northern Greece, the Peloponnese, Crete and the southern Aegean islands.
In Athens, conditions will remain sunny but dusty, with temperatures ranging between 14–23°C and a slight chance of drizzle. In Thessaloniki, intermittent cloud cover is forecast, with temperatures between 10–22°C.
By Friday, scattered showers of light to moderate intensity are expected across the central and southern Aegean, including the Cyclades, Crete and the Dodecanese, while weaker rainfall may affect parts of northern mainland Greece.