Temperatures in Crete exceeded 35 degrees, protective measures for African dust

African dust is besieging the entire country, while Crete is “suffocating” and combined with high temperatures have created difficult conditions in the atmosphere, according to the weatherman.

In addition to the African dust, according to the Meteorological Observatory of Athens, on Saturday 18/05 high temperatures occurred in the western and southern parts of our country, the temperature of the map below is clearly shown in color scale.

In fact, according to the network of automated weather stations of the National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr, 47 weather stations reported maximum temperatures above 30 °C.

The highest maximum temperature was again recorded in Crete, with the highest maximum temperature recorded in the Lasithi River at 35.6 °C.

Sunday Weather Forecast (19/05)

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, some clouds are forecast, increasing in the north and warmer times in other parts of the continent, local rain or isolated storms are expected in the morning hours in Macedonia, Thrace and the northern Aegean islands, in the Epirus mountains of Macedonia in the afternoon and afternoon. Central and West Central Greece and the Peloponnese.

Visibility may be low at some places during evening and early morning hours. Atmospheric circulation favors the transport of dust from North Africa, with increased concentrations mainly in the west and south, leading to mud showers in the event areas.

Temperatures range from 14 to 28 degrees in northern Greece (13 to 26 degrees in western Macedonia), 17 to 32 degrees in central and southern Greece, 18 to 33 degrees in western Greece (15 to 27 degrees in Epirus), and 18 to 31 degrees in the Cyclades. , from 20 to 35 degrees in Crete (locally up to 37 degrees in northern Crete), from 18 to 34 degrees in the eastern Aegean islands and from 22 to 32 degrees in the Dodecanese.

North Aegean winds will be northeasterly to weak 3-4 Beaufort, then moderate inland 5 Beaufort in the afternoon, northerly to almost moderate 3-4 Beaufort in the Central Aegean and early in the South Aegean. East winds will be weak to moderate 3-5 Beaufort, with the same intensity gradually changing to the west. Winds in the Ionian will blow from weak northeasterlies to almost moderate 3-4 Beaufort.

We expect some temporarily thick clouds and an increase in the concentration of dust in the atmosphere in Attica on Sunday. The temperature ranges from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius, but it is 2-3 degrees lower in the northern and eastern parts. Winds will be light northerly 3-4 Beaufort and locally easterly up to 5 Beaufort.

Temporarily thick clouds, with possible showers mainly in the mornings, are expected in Thessaloniki on Sunday. The temperature ranges from 19 to 26 degrees Celsius. Winds in Thermikos are variable and weak.

Conservation measures for African dust

The concentration of African dust in Crete is high and as part of the information provided by the Environment Directorate, special instructions have been issued to citizens by the Directorate of Public Health of the Region of Crete.

The University of Crete and the Technical University of Crete report that the average daily concentrations of PM10 will fluctuate moderately today Saturday 18/05/2024 and Sunday 19/05/2024 according to forecast models. (51- 75 µg/m3) due to the extreme phenomenon of dust transport from the Sahara” and for these reasons and based on the circular of the Ministry of Health, it is recommended for adults with respiratory disorders, adults with heart disease and children with respiratory problems to limit any vigorous exercise to protect public health. , especially if done outdoors.

Additionally, it informs citizens: High-protection FFP2, N95 & KN95 masks can protect those who need to be active outdoors as they retain particles ≥0.3 µm in size. In addition, taking measures to improve indoor air quality in the home, office, etc., includes reducing the infiltration of outdoor air and improving as much as possible indoor insulation (door and window cracks) to prevent dust from entering the interior. Among other things, it is recommended to activate the air purifier – if present – but clean contact surfaces such as tables and counters with a damp cloth.

Finally, it is suggested that activities that worsen indoor air quality should be avoided, such as smoking, using vacuum cleaners, cooking with gas, lighting candles and fireplaces, and finally, staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.