Saharan dust cloud set to peak over Crete on Wednesday, forecasters say

A new episode of Saharan dust is moving across Greece, with the phenomenon forecast to reach its peak on Wednesday, August 26, according to meteorological data cited by CretaOne. Forecasters expect the dust to begin gradually clearing from Thursday, August 27.

Atmospheric conditions over the central and southern Mediterranean are favoring the transport of desert dust from North Africa toward Greece, CretaOne reported, citing meteorological platform AtmoHub.

According to AtmoHub, most of the dust is concentrated in the upper layers of the troposphere, meaning that air quality near ground level is not expected to be significantly affected across most of the country.

Areas with locally higher concentrations

Ground-level concentrations of suspended particles are generally estimated to hover around 30 micrograms per cubic meter, AtmoHub said. Locally, however, concentrations on Wednesday could rise to around 50 micrograms per cubic meter, a level that may affect air quality.

The areas expected to see the greatest local impact are the Ionian islands, the Peloponnese — mainly its western parts — and Crete, according to the forecast. Residents can check current conditions through the daily Crete weather forecast alongside dust-level updates.

Improvement expected from Thursday

The Saharan dust episode is forecast to peak on Wednesday, with a gradual weakening expected from Thursday, August 27, CretaOne reported. The dust arrives as Crete continues to experience a period of elevated temperatures, part of a wider heatwave affecting the island in recent days.

Residents, particularly those in vulnerable groups and those in areas with the highest particle concentrations, are advised to monitor official updates on air quality as the phenomenon develops, CretaOne said.