A significant influx of Sahara dust is forecast to affect Greece over the coming days, according to AtmoHub, the national information hub for atmospheric composition.
The phenomenon is driven by a specific wind convergence: the combination of a high-pressure system over the southeastern Mediterranean and a low-pressure system to the west. This atmospheric “engine” is currently funneling dust from the Sahara, Morocco, and Libya directly toward the Greek peninsula.
- Wednesday, February 4: Dust concentrations will begin to rise in Western Greece before spreading eastward.
- Thursday, February 5: The phenomenon will intensify, with the highest concentrations expected over Southern Greece, particularly on the Peloponnese and Crete.
- Rainfall impact: Incoming showers are expected to cause “wet deposition,” effectively washing the dust out of the air but leaving it deposited on the ground and surfaces.
Health risks associated with Sahara dust cloud
The dust from Africa is not just a visual or respiratory nuisance. Rather, it carries significant health risks. Numerous studies by Greek and international researchers have shown that African dust clouds often transport toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, nickel, chromium, vanadium, and zinc.
These substances, when inhaled, are associated with a rise in hospital admissions, particularly for respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The fine particles (PM10 and PM2.5) in the dust can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing risks even to otherwise healthy individuals.
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