Significant episode of African dust this weekend: Which areas will be in the 'red' (maps)
An important transport of Saharan dust is expected to affect Greece this weekend, primarily impacting southern regions such as Crete and the Peloponnese.
Greece is preparing for a significant episode of Saharan dust transport this weekend, according to predictive data from the National Observatory of Athens/meteo.gr. The atmospheric circulation from February 14 to 15 is expected to facilitate the arrival of this dust, which will likely peak on Sunday, February 15. This weather phenomenon will affect various parts of the country, with a gradual increase in dust concentration beginning in the western and southern regions on Saturday evening.
The predictive maps from the DUST/METEO model indicate that the concentrations of Saharan dust will escalate as the weekend progresses, particularly noticeable by Sunday afternoon. Areas in southern Greece, including Crete, the Peloponnese, and the southern Aegean, are anticipated to experience the highest concentrations of dust particles. Such conditions not only affect visibility but could impact air quality, prompting warnings for vulnerable populations.
This event signifies the ongoing influence of climate patterns in the eastern Mediterranean, where such dust storms can become more prevalent. As the environmental implications of dust transport extend beyond immediate air quality concerns, it raises awareness about climate-related shifts in weather patterns affecting the region. Authorities are likely to issue public health advisories to mitigate risks associated with the poor air quality expected during this episode.