An extensive layer of African dust has blanketed the Attica basin since the morning, resulting in a pale sky and severely reduced visibility in the area. The National Meteorological Service (EMY) had warned that conditions would favor the substantial transport of African dust to eastern Greece, particularly impacting southern and central regions including the Peloponnese, Crete, eastern Sterea, the Cyclades, and Evia. As a result, residents are experiencing an unusual atmospheric phenomenon that brings about challenges in air quality and visibility.

In conjunction with the dust, strong winds have also been a prominent feature across many regions of Greece since early today. According to the National Observatory, a low-pressure system moving from Italy towards the southern Balkans on Sunday has significantly intensified the southern and southeastern winds, particularly at sea where average wind speeds are expected to reach 7-8 Beaufort. This combination of factors not only complicates air travel but also impacts those with respiratory issues in the affected localities.

The wind gusts in some areas have exceeded speeds of 100-110 kilometers per hour, with particular emphasis on Crete and other island regions in the Aegean Sea. Such severe weather conditions pose potential risks to health and safety while highlighting the increasing frequency of unusual weather events, which could be tied to broader climatic shifts patterns affecting the region.