Greece: Athens Covered in Orange Dust Due To Storm
Greece’s capital Athens and other parts turned hazy and covered in Orange dust after strong winds pushed the Sahara Desert’s dust clouds to travel across the Mediterranean Sea towards Athens.
Athens, the bustling capital of Greece, found itself engulfed in an unusual orange haze on April 23rd, 2024, as strong winds carried sand from North Africa's Sahara Desert across the Mediterranean Sea. The iconic landmarks of Athens, including the ancient citadel of Acropolis, were shrouded in a veil of orange dust, with air quality plummeting to concerning levels.
The Sahara Desert annually releases millions of tonnes of mineral dust into the atmosphere, with some particles traveling vast distances, reaching as far as Europe. This recent episode marked one of the most severe instances of Sahara Desert dust affecting Athens since March 2018.
The dusty winds not only reduced sunlight and visibility but also prompted health warnings from local authorities. Citizens were advised to stay indoors, wear masks, and refrain from outdoor activities until the dust cloud dispersed.
This natural phenomenon is not uncommon for regions like Greece, Switzerland, and parts of France, which periodically experience the effects of Sahara Desert dust clouds. However, this particular event stood out as one of the most significant in recent years.
In addition to the haze, parts of northern Greece experienced temperatures soaring 20 degrees Celsius above normal, exacerbating the situation. The intense winds also sparked several unseasonal wildfires across southern Greece, with the fire department responding to a total of 25 incidents. Fortunately, prompt action prevented significant damage or injuries, and the fires were swiftly brought under control
Despite the challenges posed by the dusty conditions and wildfires, Greek authorities remain optimistic about clearing skies and improving air quality in the coming days. Cleaner, fresher air is expected to sweep in from the west, gradually dispersing the lingering dust and restoring normalcy to the region.
