African dust: How it covered Greece – Satellite images – How long will the phenomenon last

Satellite data from the American NASA Aqua satellite that passed over our country on Tuesday morning (April 23, 2024), show in high resolution the intense wave of African dust “Minerva red” that took place in the Eastern Mediterranean region affecting a very large grade Greece.

The shallow low in the Sirte area moving towards Greece carried very large amounts of African dust, making the air quality very difficult and creating an eerie scene with red skies.

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.

“Cocktail” of dust, heat and stifling atmosphere

The African dust, which has been visiting our country for the last few hours, has already covered several areas, creating an explosive cocktail for the residents.

In many cities the atmosphere is suffocating and visibility is limited, with the phenomenon already underway peaking.

Especially from the Messinian capital, the images that come are eerie, with the sky reminiscent of a Far West movie set.

The situation is also difficult in areas of Ilia, with the African dust having obscured the sky, as can be seen from images in the port of Katakolo, on the beach of Karouta and in the area of ​​Zaharos.

At the same time, the scene in Athens is eerie as well, more or less suffering the majority of citizens.

A huge cloud of dust has covered the capital since early Tuesday morning, while in some areas it also rained mud.

African dust in Preveza as well

Similar images come from the city of Preveza, where the sky turned gray from the high concentration of African dust.

Cars have been covered by the African dust, which in combination with the cloudiness that prevails greatly limits visibility.

Experts address warnings regarding the effect of African dust, which has once again flooded the atmosphere of our country, especially on the health of those who belong to vulnerable groups.

According to the Hellenic Pulmonology Society, African dust affecting Greece is a relatively frequent phenomenon, especially when meteorological conditions favor the transport of dust particles from the Sahara desert.

The African dust will begin to recede from the atmosphere from Wednesday morning

It is important that citizens, 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.

The phenomenon subsides

According to the director of EMY, Thodoris Kolydas, the African dust will start to recede from the atmosphere from the morning of Wednesday (24.4.2024) and by noon it will have decreased significantly.

“According to the latest prognostic data of the @CopernicusEMS service from Wednesday morning and mainly after noon, the concentrations of African dust from our country will decrease significantly,” he says in his post.

“For the next few days and until Saturday, W-NW winds will prevail, so the dust will not be able to visit us”, he concludes.