On Sunday, an intense wave of African dust affected Greece, mainly impacting the island of Crete, resulting in significantly increased concentrations of airborne particulates detected by the Meteo unit at the National Observatory of Athens. Satellite images processed by Meteo revealed the extensive dust plume being carried toward Crete, depicting its reach on a regional scale. The first image, captured by NASA/NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite using the VIIRS sensor, illustrates the broad area of dust transport, while a subsequent high-resolution image from the European Sentinel-2 satellite details the structure and density of the dust cloud over and around the island.

In a separate article, Meteo provided an informative Q&A format discussing the phenomenon of desert dust transport, detailing how such events occur and their implications. The organization emphasized the significance of the dust episode, relating it to similar occurrences in recent history and their environmental impacts. The public was encouraged to remain informed about the health effects that may arise from such dust storms, particularly regarding air quality and respiratory health, given the vital importance of understanding these events in relation to climate and health.

This occurrence is not merely a local environmental issue; it holds broader implications for public health and the environment in Crete and surrounding regions. As climate change may influence the frequency and intensity of such dust transport events, understanding and mitigating their impact becomes essential for local communities and authorities, underlining the need for ongoing research and public awareness campaigns to address health risks associated with airborne particulates.