Meteorologists are forecasting a combination of high temperatures and African dust in Greece due to a subtropical airstream. Temperatures will range from 30 to 32 degrees Celsius in many areas, reaching 34 to 36 degrees Celsius in the south and Crete, accompanied by southerly winds. The dust will persist in the atmosphere, causing discomfort.

Intense weather phenomena will move primarily between Crete and the Peloponnese, shifting eastward gradually. African dust is expected across the country during midday, particularly in the west and south, then moving towards the central Aegean in the evening.

Thodoris Kolydas, Director of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), described the weather’s “indecisive” nature, noting two thermal peaks on Friday and Saturday, and later on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sea breezes will be beneficial, and relative humidity will increase slightly but not significantly. Dust concentrations will peak on Friday and the weekend, decreasing by Monday and Tuesday. The HNMS reassesses data daily with state bodies to provide accurate information.

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Meteorologist Sakis Arnaoutoglou forecasts that Greece will experience high temperatures and African dust due to a subtropical jet stream. Temperatures will reach 30-32°C in many areas, with the south and Crete potentially seeing 34-36°C, accompanied by southerly winds. The dust will cause haze and discomfort in the atmosphere until mid-next week, with local showers in the northern and mountainous regions over the weekend.

The National Observatory of Athens/Meteo.gr reports that the atmospheric circulation over Europe will bring warm air masses and significant Saharan dust to Greece. Today, high dust concentrations are expected in the western and southern parts of the country near the ground, while central and northern regions will see higher concentrations at higher altitudes.

Today’s weather includes a few clouds, especially in the central and southern regions, with potential mud showers in the Peloponnese, Central Ionian, and Central Greece. Visibility may be limited at night and early morning. Temperatures will range from 10-26°C in Northern Greece, 12-28°C in Central and Southern Greece, 19-29°C in Western Greece, 18-27°C in the Cyclades, and 26-34°C in Crete (up to 40°C in Northern Crete).

Forecast for Saturday, May 18, 2024
Morning: Generally clear skies.
Afternoon: Increasing scattered clouds, leading to local showers in Epirus and Macedonia.
Visibility: Locally limited in the mainland during the morning hours.
Dust: High concentrations of African dust, especially in the west and south.
Winds: Variable light winds. In the Ionian, southerly winds at 3-4 Beaufort, increasing to 5 Beaufort. In the Aegean, northerly winds at 3-4 Beaufort, up to 5 Beaufort in the southeast.
Temperature: Slight increase, especially in the west, central, and northern areas. Inland temperatures will reach 27-29°C, locally 30-32°C in the west. Island regions will see 24-26°C, and Crete and the Dodecanese will have 27-31°C.

Forecast for Sunday, May 19, 2024
North: Unstable weather with occasional clouds, local showers, and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Improvement by evening.
Rest of the Country: Scattered clouds, becoming denser in the mainland with occasional showers, mainly in mountainous areas.
Dust: Continued high concentrations across most areas.
Winds: East-southeast winds at 3-5 Beaufort in the west, central, and south, up to 6 Beaufort in the southern seas in the morning. In other areas, north-northwest winds at 3-4 Beaufort, locally up to 5 Beaufort in the eastern Aegean.
Temperature: No significant change. Inland temperatures will reach 28-30°C, locally 31-33°C in the west. Island regions will have 25-27°C, and Crete, the Ionian Islands, and the Dodecanese will see 28-31°C.

Health Impact of Saharan Dust

Potential Health Effects
Air Quality: Worsened by Saharan dust, leading to increased pollution levels harmful to health.
Respiratory Issues: Dust particles can enter lungs and bloodstream, potentially triggering asthma attacks and worsening other respiratory conditions.

Vulnerable Groups
Children and infants
Older adults
Individuals with preexisting lung conditions
Individuals with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases

Preventive Steps
Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI): Stay informed about pollution levels.
Stay Indoors: Spend more time indoors where pollution levels are lower.
Moderate Outdoor Activities: Opt for less strenuous activities, like walking instead of running, to reduce heavy breathing.