Incredible pictures have captured the skies over Athens turning a surreal shade of orange as enormous dust clouds swept across the Mediterranean Sea from North Africa, enveloping the iconic Acropolis. On Tuesday evening, strong southerly winds carried the dust from the Sahara Desert across southern Greece, transforming the Greek capital into a Martian landscape. This phenomenon is not unprecedented, with Kostas Lagouvardos, weather research director at the Athens Observatory, stating that it is one of the most severe episodes of dust and sand concentrations from the Sahara since 2018.
Amid the awe-inspiring spectacle, officials have issued warnings about potential health risks associated with the dust, particularly regarding fine particulate pollution. However, relief is in sight as winds are expected to shift on Wednesday, clearing the skies and bringing a drop in temperatures.
In addition to the striking visual impact, the strong southerly winds have also fueled unseasonably early wildfires in Greece, particularly in the south. On Tuesday evening, the country’s fire service reported 25 wildfires breaking out within the past 24 hours. The situation on the Aegean Sea resort island of Paros led to three arrests on suspicion of accidentally starting a scrub blaze on Monday, although no significant damage or injuries were reported.
Greece is no stranger to devastating forest blazes, particularly during the summer months. Last year, the country experienced the largest wildfire in the European Union in over two decades. With persistent drought and high spring temperatures, there are concerns that firefighters may face a particularly challenging period in the coming months.
