Athens, the capital of Greece, and the surrounding areas were engulfed in an orange and red haze on Tuesday evening. People were taken aback by the unusual scene, with some describing it as “apocalyptic”. Social media platforms were flooded with videos and images of the orange sky, with many wondering what was causing this bizarre phenomenon.
Experts quickly determined that the cause of the orange haze was a massive dust cloud that had been blown in from Africa. Strong winds had carried the dust across the Mediterranean Sea from the Sahara, covering Athens and the southern parts of Greece. The dust is said to have traveled hundreds of miles before reaching the country.
The situation was particularly severe in eastern Libya, where the sky turned a deep shade of red. The scene was almost otherworldly, with many comparing it to the surface of Mars. In Athens, the conditions were not as extreme, but the orange and red sky was still a sight to behold. Some residents were seen wiping off a thin layer of dust from their windshields.
The dust cloud, also known as a “sirocco”, is a weather phenomenon that is not unfamiliar to the region. It occurs when strong winds from the Sahara blow across the Mediterranean Sea, carrying vast amounts of dust with them. While it is not uncommon for dust storms to hit Greece, the intensity and scale of this one were particularly striking.
The situation was made even more concerning by the hot and dry weather conditions in the country. Temperatures in parts of southern Greece soared to over 30C, more than 20C higher than what was registered in the northern regions. Along with the strong winds, these conditions raised fears of potential wildfires. Unfortunately, these fears were not unfounded.
According to the Greek Fire Service, a total of 25 wildfires had broken out across the country in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday evening. Three people were arrested on the island of Paros on suspicion of accidentally starting a scrub blaze. The fire was quickly contained, but it served as a reminder of the dangers that come with unseasonably hot weather.
Thankfully, the situation is expected to improve as we move into Wednesday. Weather forecasts predict that the winds will ease, allowing the dust cloud to dissipate. Temperatures are also expected to drop, providing some relief from the heat. However, authorities are still urging caution as the dry conditions may continue to pose a threat for potential wildfires.
In recent years, Greece has been particularly vulnerable to devastating wildfires. In 2018, the country experienced its deadliest wildfire in decades, which claimed the lives of over 100 people. The dry and windy weather conditions, coupled with the influx of dust from the Sahara, are a concerning combination. The Greek Fire Service is calling on everyone to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions to prevent any further fires from breaking out.
The dust storm and the resulting orange haze may have only lasted for a day, but it serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between nature and human existence. While these events may seem strange and even beautiful at times, they also highlight the impact of global weather patterns and the potential consequences of climate change. As the world continues to adapt to a changing climate, it is essential to take proactive steps towards protecting the environment and preserving our planet for future generations.
