Athens faced suffocating African dust on February 15, with health experts warning vulnerable populations to take precautions as high temperatures approached 30°C in Crete.
On February 15, Athens experienced a significant weather event characterized by a suffocating layer of African dust, a phenomenon unusual for this time of year. Health officials cautioned that sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are particularly vulnerable to symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and eye irritation. They urged citizens to take necessary precautions to protect their health as the dust storm impacted air quality in the capital.
The dust conditions were forecasted to alleviate in Athens but were predicted to continue affecting regions such as Crete, the Cyclades, and the eastern Aegean islands due to the prevailing wind directions. As part of the response to these difficult weather conditions, the Municipality of Heraklion announced the cancellation of the Kastros Carnival parade, adapting to the updated meteorological report that outlined severe weather challenges on the island.
In addition to the dust, temperatures in Crete soared, nearing 30 degrees Celsius, creating an unusual May-like summer atmosphere. This combination of high temperatures and dust raises concerns about the overall health impact on the population and could lead to increased public health measures if such extreme weather patterns persist. Citizens are encouraged to remain informed about weather conditions and to safeguard their health during such weather anomalies.
