A dome of Saharan dust enveloped southeastern Greece and the Attica region, where the capital Athens is located, today, creating a hazy atmosphere that will last until Thursday, meteorologists said, quoted by the Greek publication “Kathimerini“, BTA reports.
“The dust remained at a higher altitude, between 2,000 and 3,000 meters“, said the director of research at the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development of the Athens National Observatory, Dr. Konstantinos Lagouvardos.
Dust levels are expected to peak in the middle of the week, especially over Crete, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Thessaly, the Cyclades and Dodecanese island groups, before decreasing on Friday and returning to normal levels over the weekend.
Along with the dust, the warm air masses will raise temperatures by 6-10 degrees Celsius above average at 1,500 meters.
Authorities have urged vulnerable people to limit outdoor activities. Saharan dust can carry pollen, bacteria and fungi, which pose a health risk - especially to the respiratory system.