Many regions of the country were reminded of an eerie landscape on Tuesday (23/04/2024) as African dust and high temperatures “suffocated” almost all of Greece with experts speaking of health effects.
African dust peaked on Tuesday (23/04/2024) and from Wednesday (24/04/2024) the situation is expected to be better although the combination of dust and seasonally high temperatures will keep the sultry scenery.
According to the meteo satellite data of the American NASA Aqua satellite that passed over our country on the morning of Tuesday, April 23, 2024, show in high resolution the intense wave of African dust “Minerva red” that took place in the Eastern Mediterranean area affecting in to a very large extent Greece.
The shallow low in the Sirte area moving towards Greece carried very large amounts of African dust making the air quality very difficult, composing an eerie scene with a red sky.
Apart from the African dust, very high temperatures were recorded in areas of Southern Greece and especially in Crete, where the highest temperature was recorded in Falasarna of Chania with a value of 36.6°C.
The meteo forecast speaks of a better picture from the African dust, but the phenomenon will remain in force, at least until noon.
We will be “drowning” until noon
In detail, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, improved weather is initially expected throughout the country. Concentrations of Saharan dust in the atmosphere will be increased, but progressively the dust will move further east and be limited over the Aegean.
In the evening hours, rains will occur in the Ionian and Epirus, phenomena that will extend to areas of Macedonia, Western Thessaly, Western Mainland and Northwestern Peloponnese during the night to Thursday.
The temperature will vary in Western Macedonia from 4 to 21 degrees, in the rest of northern Greece from 8 to 25 degrees, in Epirus from 8 to 23 degrees, in Thessaly from 8 to 26, in the rest of the mainland from 12 to 25-27 degrees, in Eptanisa from 13 to 24, in the island parts of the Northern, Central and Eastern Aegean from 15 to 25 degrees and in Crete and the Dodecanese from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius.
The winds in the Aegean will blow from western directions with intensities of 4-5 Beaufort and locally 6 Beaufort. In the Ionian, northwesterly winds will blow with intensities of 4-5 Beaufort, but progressively in the Northern Ionian they will turn to southwesterlies with the same intensities. A westerly current with intensities of up to 6 Beaufort will prevail in Corinthiakos.
In Attica we expect a few clouds and relatively increased concentrations of dust until noon. Winds will blow west northwest with intensities of 4-5 Beaufort and locally in the western parts 6 Beaufort. The temperature will range from 16 to 26 degrees.
In Thessaloniki we expect a few clouds. Winds will blow from changing directions with intensities of 3-4 Beaufort. The temperature will range from 13 to 23 degrees.
See Live weather
Attention to vulnerable groups says the Hellenic Pulmonology Society
African dust can have significant effects on the health of the inhabitants of our country, mainly through the degradation of air quality, reports the Hellenic Pulmonology Association (EPE).
An increase in particulate matter in the atmosphere can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies. People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable during periods of increased dust levels and this is also reflected in increased hospital admissions.
Special attention is required for residents of urban centers and areas with already low air quality.
Respiratory effect. One of the primary health effects of African dust is its effect on respiratory health. Fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. For people with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exposure to these particles can worsen symptoms, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest discomfort.
Allergies and irritation. African dust can cause allergic-type reactions in some people, respiratory tract irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes. People with allergies or sensitivities to environmental factors may experience increased symptoms during periods of increased levels of African dust.
Cardiovascular effects. In addition to respiratory problems, exposure to African dust has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Particulate matter can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoconstriction, which can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.
Effect on the immune system. Prolonged exposure to African dust can also affect the immune system, making people more vulnerable to respiratory infections and other illnesses. The inflammatory response caused by dust particles can weaken the body’s defenses and make it harder to fight pathogens.
Long-term health risks. Chronic exposure to African dust and its associated pollutants has been associated with long-term health risks, including respiratory disease, reduced lung function, cardiovascular disorders, and even some types of cancer. Continuous exposure to high levels of dust particles can have cumulative health effects over time. According to a 2020 review of the impact of dust on air quality in Europe, an estimated 42,000 deaths/year are attributed to dust, while in Mediterranean countries it has been estimated that 27-44% of the number of deaths are related to PM10 particles it is due to African dust.
Protection instructions
It is important that citizens, and especially those with respiratory problems, take precautions during periods of increased levels of African dust.
Here are some guidelines to help you minimize the health effects of the phenomenon:
Stay informed. Monitor air quality reports and weather forecasts to know when African dust levels are expected to be high.
Limit outdoor activities. If possible, avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors when dust levels are high, especially during windy days when particles are more likely to become airborne.
Close the windows and doors. While homes and workplaces should generally be ventilated, during African dust peak periods, ventilate a little in the morning and then keep windows and doors closed to prevent dust particles from entering your home or workplace. If you have one, use air cleaners or filters to improve indoor air quality.
Use masks. When going outside, especially in dusty conditions, consider wearing a mask to reduce inhalation of dust particles.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
During periods of increased dust levels, it is highly recommended that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions take precautions to minimize the health effects of exposure to dust particles.
Asthma patients may need to increase the dosage or frequency of taking inhaled medications based on the control plan recommended by their doctor to reduce symptoms. It is pointed out that at this stage special attention is recommended to asthmatics, due to spring allergies.
Patients with COPD may need to increase palliative care with inhaled medications.
Tags: African dust suffocated country subsides Health effects protection instructions
-
