Dust from Libya and Egypt Reaches Greece, causing muddy rain

An episode of dust transport from Libya and Egypt is currently affecting Greece, according to the National Observatory of Athens. Rain accompanying the dust has helped reduce surface concentrations, so air quality remains largely unaffected for now.

The phenomenon is expected to continue until March 20, peaking on March 18–19, and will impact the entire country. The highest dust concentrations are expected in southern Greece and Crete.

Rainfall will likely result in muddy rain in different regions:

Wednesday: Ionian Islands, Western Peloponnese, Crete, and southern Dodecanese

Thursday: Central Greece, including Athens

For updates and forecasts, consult the Atmospheric Monitoring Service CAMS via the AtmoHub portal: https://portal.atmohub.gr/erimiki-skoni.

Weather Today – Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Cloudy skies, scattered rain, seasonal temperatures, and winds up to 7 Beaufort in the Aegean will characterize the weather across Greece.

Main conditions: Clouds and rain mainly over the mainland, except Central/Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, the Central and Southern Aegean, and Crete. Snow is expected in the mountains of affected mainland areas and locally in Western Macedonia until morning. From midday, thunderstorms may develop in Crete, the Southern Aegean, and Southeastern Peloponnese. Dust concentrations in the atmosphere will be elevated.

Temperatures (°C):

Western Macedonia: 0–10

Rest of Macedonia & Thrace: 2–15

Thessaly: 4–13

Epirus: 4–17

Central Greece & Peloponnese: 4–19

Ionian Islands: 10–17

Northern & Eastern Aegean: 7–17

Cyclades: 12–16

Dodecanese: 14–17

Crete: 7–21

Winds:

Aegean: East 5–7 Beaufort turning north later.

Ionian: East 4–6 Beaufort, briefly north in the afternoon.

Local forecasts:

Athens: Cloudy, possible light showers mainly in the north; north winds 2–5 Beaufort; temperatures 11–17°C; dust levels elevated.

Thessaloniki: Cloudy; winds 2–4 Beaufort from east to south, becoming variable 3 Beaufort in the afternoon; temperatures 7–14°C; dust levels elevated.