Greece Braces for Sahara Dust Storm and Sudden Temperature Drop
Greece is preparing for a weekend of intense weather conditions with strong storms and desert dust sweeping across the country accompanied by a sharp drop in temperatures heavy rainfall and strong winds affecting southern and western regions.
The country is expected to experience unstable weather throughout the weekend as powerful storms laden with Sahara dust are forecast to hit Greece in two waves on Saturday and Monday October 18 and 20 2025.
Kostas Lagouvardos Director of the National Observatory of Athens warned that African dust will blanket much of the country especially southern and western areas creating suffocating conditions. Interactive maps indicate that the dust cloud will extend across most regions from Thessaly and further north.
At the same time temperatures are expected to drop noticeably while heavy rain and thunderstorms will affect scattered parts of the country. Local winds may reach up to 6 Beaufort further intensifying the cold conditions in the coming days.
Meteorological data show that a stronger wave of dust will return on Monday while temperatures will remain below seasonal averages for this time of October bringing cooler weather after a relatively mild period.
Experts warn of reduced visibility due to dust particles and their impact on air quality urging residents to avoid prolonged outdoor activities particularly those with respiratory conditions.
As residents await gradual improvement in the weather by midweek it appears that low temperatures and recurring storms will remain a defining feature of the final days of October in Greece.