A wave of dust from Libya and Egypt is currently affecting Greece, with peak intensity expected on March 18 and 19, according to atmospheric monitoring data.
The phenomenon, tracked by AtmoHub, is expected to continue until March 20, impacting the entire country. The highest dust concentrations are forecast mainly in southern regions, especially Crete.
Despite the widespread presence of dust in the atmosphere, rainfall accompanying the phenomenon has helped reduce concentrations near ground level, meaning overall air quality is not expected to be significantly affected.
However, the combination of dust and rain is likely to lead to “mud rain,” a common occurrence during such events. Specifically:
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Wednesday: Ionian Islands, Western Peloponnese, Crete, and the Southern Dodecanese
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Thursday: Central Greece, including Attica
Experts note that while the dust may create hazy skies and reduced visibility, the presence of rain is helping to limit potential health impacts compared to more severe past events.
Residents are advised to stay updated through official platforms, including data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), which provides forecasts and real-time tracking of the phenomenon.
