Greece hit again by high temperatures, Saharan dust April 1st, 2024

The dust storms had already affected Greece last week as well as regions such as Switzerland and Southern France

By AFP - Agence France Presse

Greece hit again by high temperatures, Saharan dust

Thick clouds of dust blown in from the Sahara once again covered Greek skies Monday, especially Athens and Thessaloniki, with temperatures rising as high as 31°C (88°F).

The dust storms, which had already affected Greece last week as well as regions such as Switzerland and Southern France, made breathing difficult for many people.

A high of 26°C was forecast in the capital Athens Monday, which public television station ERT described as conditions more akin to May.

Thermometers in the south of the Peloponnese and on the island of Euboea near Athens are expected to hit 31°C Monday.

Asthma sufferers and other vulnerable people "should avoid outdoor exercise as well as strenuous manual labor," Stamatoula Tsikrikas, head of the Greek Pulmonologists' Union, told ERT.

The union warned that the dust could mix with pollen, bacteria, and fungi, resulting in "a highly toxic mixture that is dangerous for the human body."

Pulmonology professor Thodoris Vasilakopoulos recommended on television station ANT1 that vulnerable people should wear masks and sunglasses.

Thick clouds resulted in several flight delays in Thessaloniki, according to local media.

Weather forecasters say temperatures should start to come down from Wednesday.

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