A new episode of Sahara dust transported from the North Africa is affecting the Eastern Mediterranean, as a result of the presence of a barometric low in Morocco and Algeria. The phenomenon will also affect areas of Greece.
According to reports of AtmoHub, the information hub for atmospheric composition in Greece, the ascending winds that accompany the system lift dust particles from the Sahara to high altitudes, while westerly winds carry them towards our region.
The phenomenon affects Greece from from Tuesday, March 3, 2026, initially approaching from the north and northwest, and will then gradually expand to the entire territory.
The dust plume (i.e. formation of smoke, fog, cloud of microparticles, etc.) is mainly located in the upper layers of the troposphere, as a result of which no significant impact on air quality near the surface is expected.
The effects of the phenomenon will be limited mainly to slight shading of the atmosphere, in combination with the cloud cover that will accompany it.
At the same time, a slight impact on air quality is expected in the Attica Basin, Eastern Macedonia and Epirus.
The episode is estimated to last until the end of the week.
