People living in Athens have seen the sky turn orange. It was caused by clouds of dust from the Sahara desert, which blew in from Northern Africa blanketing much of Greece.

Athens

Title: 'Apocalyptic' Orange Haze Descends on Athens

Residents of Athens experienced a dramatic shift in their environment as an intense orange haze enveloped the city. The unusual phenomenon was caused by clouds of dust from the Sahara Desert, transported across the Mediterranean and covering much of Greece. The arrival of the dust transformed the skyline, especially noticeable over landmarks such as the Acropolis, and significantly reduced visibility throughout the area.

Authorities issued warnings and advised the public to limit their exposure to the dusty air. This caution came in response to air quality measurements showing concentrations of particles that were significantly higher—up to 20 times—than the typical regional averages. Health experts recommended that people stay indoors to avoid the negative health impacts associated with breathing in the fine dust particles.

The orange-tinted skies prompted a mixed reaction among the citizens of Athens. Some chose to remain indoors to safeguard their health, while others were captivated by the eerie beauty of the transformed landscape, comparing the experience to being in the Sahara Desert itself. Despite its unsettling appearance, the phenomenon of Saharan dust traveling to Greece is not uncommon, occurring with some regularity during the spring and autumn months. 

Strong winds and particular meteorological conditions facilitate the transport of these dust clouds across continents. While this can pose risks, such as exacerbating conditions for wildfires—a persistent threat in Greece—it also has an ecological benefit. The dust clouds carry nutrients that are vital for oceanic life, supporting the growth of plankton and other marine microorganisms. This, in turn, underpins the marine food web, illustrating the complex interplay between natural phenomena and ecological health.



'Apocalyptic' orange haze descends on Athens

Apocalyptic scenes over the Acropolis. As dust from the Sahara accumulated in the air, it cast a shroud over Athens, turning the skies an orange hue. Reducing visibility and prompting authorities to sound the alarm. We have to be careful to not breathe such air, right? And we have to stay home, basically. There are guidances from the doctors that should be followed in such cases, because we observe concentrations that are 10 times or 20 times higher than the mean, than the average for a region. Many took the advice to stay indoors. I felt a discomfort. I tried to deal with it by staying in the house, so that it didn't affect my health further. Others marvelled at the spectacle. Everything was orange. It really felt like we were in the Sahara. This cloudy, orange-tinted haze is a frequent phenomenon. It usually happens in spring and autumn. Low meteorological systems and strong winds transfer dust loads from the Sahara desert, filling the skies, bringing with it the risk of fanning wildfires. Unseasonal for this time of the year, a devastating hazard in a country that experiences major blazes every year. But there is one positive outcome of this dusty display. The clouds act as a nutrient for oceans, feeding plankton and fuelling the growth of marine microorganisms, forming the basis of an intricate, essential food web. Sonia Gallego, Al Jazeera.

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