Athens has been invaded by thick clouds of dust and sand coming from the Sahara desert and North Africa since Wednesday, a phenomenon which is accompanied by particularly high temperatures. The phenomenon should dissipate from Friday morning, according to weather forecasts.
“In spring (March-April), Sharav cyclones, moving east along the North African coast, carry dust to the eastern Mediterranean. A typical sandstorm with a range of 200 kilometers carries 20 to 30 million tons of dust, sometimes up to 100 million
,” specifies the director of the Greek meteorological services Theodoros Kolydas on the social network
Highly toxic mixture
The capital is regularly affected by these sandstorms but this year it is accompanied by particularly high temperatures, making the atmosphere unbreathable. On March 27, 25.3°C was recorded in the center of Athens, a record since March 2009, and in Crete temperatures even reached 32°C, highlighted the Greek meteorological services.
The Union of Pulmonologists of Greece has recommended that the most vulnerable population groups, particularly people suffering from asthma, avoid
"unnecessary movements and outdoor sports during hours when dust concentrations are highest." “high”
.
“African dust carries particles which can integrate with pollen, bacteria and fungi, creating a highly toxic and dangerous mixture for the human body and in particular for the respiratory system
,” warns the association.