'Sahara's Dust Storm Blankets Greece, Casting an Ethereal Glow and Fueling Wildfires
Earlier this week, the skies over southern Greece transformed into an otherworldly spectacle as vast clouds of dust from the Sahara Desert descended upon the region. The phenomenon, driven by strong southerly winds, enveloped iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, casting an ethereal orange hue upon the historic capital of Athens.
The dust storm, originating from the vast expanse of the Sahara, swept across the Mediterranean Sea, creating a surreal filter over the atmosphere as daylight waned. Temperatures soared to scorching levels, reaching over 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) in parts of Crete, a stark contrast to the milder conditions in northern Greece.
This recent bout of intense southerly winds has also fueled unseasonal wildfires in the southern regions of Greece. According to the fire service, an alarming 25 wildfires erupted across the country within a 24-hour period. The severity of the dust and sand concentrations from the Sahara has been unprecedented since March 2018, particularly impacting Crete, as noted by Kostas Lagouvardos, weather research director at the Athens Observatory.
Greece has endured similar dust clouds from the Sahara in late March and early April, which also affected parts of Switzerland and southern France. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential hazards associated with these dust concentrations, emphasizing reduced sunlight, diminished visibility, and elevated levels of fine pollution particles that pose health risks, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
Annually, the vast Sahara desert unleashes an astonishing 60 to 200 million tonnes of mineral dust into the atmosphere. While larger particles tend to settle relatively quickly, smaller particles possess the ability to travel vast distances, potentially reaching far-off destinations in Europe.
The Greek meteorological service foresees a gradual clearing of the skies on Wednesday, providing respite from the dust-laden atmosphere that has gripped the region. However, this recent episode serves as a stark reminder of the Saharan dust's far-reaching impact, capable of altering weather patterns and affecting air quality in distant lands.'
