The country is surrounded by African dust and heat – When does the atmosphere clear, what is the weather forecast for M. Week

One eerie scenery witnessed today (23/4) by the residents of Lekanopedi, who raised their eyes to the Attic sky. Athens drowned in African dust, which created a suffocating atmosphere which puts vulnerable groups at risk. It is characteristic that the cloud of dust engulfing the capital makes it particularly difficult to see all the way to the sea, while in combination with the high temperatures the situation becomes unbearable. Recommendations for vulnerable groups are addressed by Hellenic Pulmonology Society.

The transfer of African dust to the country is peaking, a phenomenon that has been developing since yesterday afternoon, creating, in combination with strong winds and high temperatures, a stifling atmosphere. His reporter ERTNews, Alexandros Memos, reported from the hill of Filopappou, that Aegina was not visible from the cloud of African dust, which has covered the Attic sky. At the same time, the Stadium of Peace and Friendship and the Tower of Piraeus were barely visible. In fact, several citizens went outside wearing their masks.

In the map he published the meteo.gr according to the forecast of the Athens Observatory, in addition to the greatly increased concentrations of dust, mud rains are also expected to occur, in the northern and western countries, in the places depicted in yellow.

The degradation of air quality due to dust can have significant effects on the health of residents, warns the Hellenic Pulmonology Society, and worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies, while it has also been linked to cardiovascular problems. It recommends limiting outdoor activities, keeping windows closed, wearing a mask, staying hydrated and communicating with your doctor for those with chronic illnesses.

According to the forecasts the turn of the winds to the west from tomorrow will limit the dust in the Dodecanese and it will gradually move away to the east. As the meteorologist of ERTNews, Nicoleta Ziakopoulou, reported, from the evening a north-westerly wind will enter the west, which will displace the dust tomorrow, Wednesday, mainly in Crete and the Dodecanese. A rise in temperature is predicted from the weekend onwards.

Reporting: Alexandros Memos, Mary Skandali – Editing: Nora Molyviati – Meteorologist: Nicoleta Ziakopoulou