Temperatures to hit 38°C as African dust returns – When conditions will ease

Summer-like weather conditions are expected to continue today, Tuesday (28/7), with temporary clouds and persistently high temperatures.

At the same time, the transport of African dust will continue, with the phenomenon expected to gradually subside from Wednesday (29/7) onwards.

African dust – Which areas will be affected

The new episode of Saharan dust transport, which began on Monday (27/7), is expected to gradually affect the entire country. According to AtmoHub, the information hub for atmospheric composition in Greece, the dust will mainly be visible in the upper layers of the atmosphere, while lower concentrations are also expected near the surface.

As AtmoHub points out, atmospheric conditions over the Eastern Mediterranean are favouring the movement of air masses carrying increased quantities of desert dust from North Africa towards Greece.

The phenomenon is expected to last until Wednesday, 29 July, while the highest concentrations are forecast for today, Tuesday, 28 July.

More specifically:

Today (28/7), increased dust concentrations are expected mainly in:

• Central Greece
• Attica
• The Peloponnese
• Crete
• Ionian Islands
• Cyclades
• Dodecanese

According to AtmoHub, in the southern Peloponnese, Laconia, Messenia, Achaia and Argos, dust concentrations are also expected to temporarily affect ground level, resulting in marginally degraded air quality, at around 50 μg/m³.

At the same time, AtmoHub reports that current forecasts indicate that most of the dust load will remain in the upper layers of the atmosphere, with only a limited effect on concentrations of PM₁₀ suspended particles near the ground.

It adds that the transport of dust is expected to gradually weaken by 29 July, as atmospheric circulation in the region changes.

Finally, people belonging to vulnerable groups are advised to monitor the development of the phenomenon, particularly in areas where locally elevated particle concentrations are recorded.

Detailed weather forecast for today, Tuesday (28/7)

The weather will be generally clear, with temporary cloud cover over mountainous areas of the mainland during the midday and afternoon hours, where local rain or showers may occur.

Winds will blow from northerly directions at 4 to 6 Beaufort, gradually reaching 6 to 7 Beaufort in the Aegean, with a tendency to strengthen from the evening.

Temperatures will not change significantly and will reach 35°C to 37°C on the mainland, locally rising to 38°C, and 33°C to 35°C across the islands.

MACEDONIA, THRACE

Weather: Generally clear, with temporary cloud cover over mountainous areas during the midday and afternoon hours, where local rain or showers may occur.

Winds: From northerly directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort. During the midday and afternoon hours, southerly winds at 3 to 4 Beaufort.

Temperature: From 19°C to 35°C. Three to four degrees lower in western Macedonia.

IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIRUS, WESTERN CENTRAL GREECE, WESTERN PELOPONNESE

Weather: Generally clear, with temporary cloud cover over mountainous areas of the mainland during the midday and afternoon hours, where local rain or showers may occur.

Winds: From northerly directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort.

Temperature: From 19°C to 34°C and locally 36°C to 37°C on the mainland. Three to four degrees lower in the interior of Epirus.

THESSALY, EASTERN CENTRAL GREECE, EVIA, EASTERN PELOPONNESE

Weather: Generally clear, with temporary cloud cover over mountainous areas of the mainland during the midday and afternoon hours, where local rain or showers may occur.

Winds: From northerly directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort, gradually reaching up to 6 Beaufort locally in eastern areas from the afternoon.

Temperature: From 18°C to 36°C or 37°C, locally reaching 38°C.

CYCLADES, CRETE

Weather: Generally clear.

Winds: Northerly at 4 to 6 Beaufort, gradually reaching 6 to 7 Beaufort, with a tendency to strengthen from the evening.

Temperature: From 22°C to 32°C and locally 34°C to 35°C in Crete.

EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS – DODECANESE

Weather: Generally clear.

Winds: From northerly directions at 4 to 6 Beaufort, gradually reaching 6 to 7 Beaufort, with a tendency to strengthen in southern areas from the evening.

Temperature: From 20°C to 34°C or 35°C.

ATTICA

Weather: Generally clear.

Winds: Northerly at 3 to 4 Beaufort, gradually reaching 4 to 5 Beaufort and locally up to 6 Beaufort in eastern areas in the evening.

Temperature: From 20°C to 36°C or 37°C.

THESSALONIKI

Weather: Generally clear, with temporary cloud cover over the surrounding mountains during the midday and afternoon hours.

Winds: Northerly at 3 to 5 Beaufort. Southerly at 3 to 4 Beaufort during the midday and afternoon.

Temperature: From 21°C to 34°C.

Weather forecast for Wednesday (29/7)

The weather will be generally clear, with temporary cloud cover over the mainland during the midday and afternoon hours, when local rain or showers may occur, mainly over the central and northern mountains.

Winds will blow from easterly directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort in western areas, while in the east they will be north-northeasterly at 5 to 7 Beaufort, locally reaching 8 Beaufort in the Aegean.

Temperatures will fall slightly in eastern areas and will reach 35°C to 36°C in the Ionian, the eastern Aegean and southern Crete, 36°C to 38°C on the mainland and locally 39°C in western areas, and 30°C to 32°C across the rest of the islands.

Weather forecast for Thursday (30/7)

The weather will be generally clear. Temporary cloud cover will develop over mountainous areas of the mainland and Crete during the midday and afternoon hours, with a chance of local rain or showers.

Winds will blow from north-northeasterly directions at 5 to 7 Beaufort and up to 8 Beaufort in the Aegean.

Temperatures will not change significantly.

Weather forecast for Friday (31/7)

The weather will be generally clear. Temporary cloud cover will develop in eastern areas and Crete, with a chance of local rain or showers, mainly over mountainous areas.

Winds will blow from north-northeasterly directions at 5 to 7 Beaufort and locally reach 8 Beaufort in the Aegean.

Temperatures will not change significantly.