Saharan Dust Blankets Athens, Creating Mars-Like Orange Sky

Athens, Greece experienced an eerie, Mars-like appearance on Tuesday as a layer of African dust covered the city, turning the sky an orange hue. The phenomenon was caused by strong southerly winds carrying dust from the Sahara Desert across the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a hazy and discolored sky over the Greek capital.

Video footage and images shared online showed the sky above Athens awash with yellow-orange colors, with historic landmarks like the Acropolis covered in the orange dust. One social media user compared the scenes to a "colony on Mars." The eastern Mediterranean country of Cyprus has also been affected by the dust, with NASA satellite imagery showing a "shroud of tan" over the island.

While the scenes are striking, authorities warned that the Saharan dust particles in the atmosphere can pose health risks, especially for those with respiratory ailments. The Greek Pulmonology Association advised vulnerable individuals to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows closed, and use masks when outdoors. Visibility decreased in the city center and surrounding regions.

Why this matters: The Saharan dust storm in Athens highlights the far-reaching effects of weather patterns and the interconnectedness of our global environment. It serves as a reminder of the potential health impacts and disruptions caused by natural phenomena originating in distant regions.

The weather research director at the Athens Observatory stated this is one of the most serious dust and sand incidents from the Sahara since 2018. The Greek Meteorological Service indicated that muddy rain is expected in northern and western Greece due to the desert dust. The skies are expected to clear up on Wednesday as the winds shift and blow the dust away.

The strong winds that brought the dust also appear to be contributing to an increase in wildfires, with the Greek Fire Service reporting 25 brush fires had broken out in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday evening. Three people were arrested on suspicion of accidentally starting a scrub blaze on the resort island of Paros. Another wildfire that broke out near a naval base on Crete was brought under control.

Greece suffers from devastating and often deadly forest fires every summer. Last year, the country recorded the European Union's largest wildfire in more than two decades. Persistent drought combined with high spring temperatures has raised fears of a particularly challenging period for firefighters in the coming months. "We are very worried," said Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's minister for climate crisis and civil protection. "We are in mid-April and already we are having significant problems."

Key Takeaways

• Athens, Greece experienced a Saharan dust storm, turning the sky orange.
• The dust storm poses health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues.
• The dust storm is one of the most serious from the Sahara since 2018.
• The strong winds also contributed to an increase in wildfires in Greece.
• Greece faces a challenging wildfire season due to persistent drought and high temperatures.