Rain and African Dust in Athens: Umbrellas Out for Residents and Tourists
Athens, May 16 – A brief rain shower, combined with a significant presence of African dust, descended upon the Greek capital on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The unusual weather conditions prompted both residents and tourists to retrieve their umbrellas, as the sky over Athens appeared ‘heavy’ due to the atmospheric dust.
According to the National Observatory of Athens, these dust concentrations, which are expected to remain relatively high in the southeast until Sunday morning (May 17, 2026), are linked to the rapid passage of a low-pressure system from North Africa towards Greece.
Dust Concentrations to Decrease by Sunday Morning
The Observatory noted that “dust concentrations will significantly decrease in the southern and eastern parts of the country by the early hours of Sunday, May 17.” This offers some relief after a day where the air quality was affected by the influx of Saharan dust.
Sunday’s Weather Outlook
For Sunday, May 17, 2026, the National Observatory of Athens forecasts intermittent cloudiness across the country. There is also a possibility of scattered light showers, particularly in mountainous areas. However, dust concentrations in the atmosphere are still expected to be relatively high in the southeast during the morning hours.
Temperature and Wind Forecast Across Greece
Temperatures across Greece on Sunday will vary significantly:
- Western Macedonia: 7 to 21 degrees Celsius
- Rest of Macedonia and Thrace: 10 to 24 degrees Celsius
- Thessaly: 13 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Epirus: 9 to 20 degrees Celsius
- Western Sterea: 10 to 21 degrees Celsius
- Eastern Sterea: 11 to 25 degrees Celsius
- Peloponnese: 9 to 27 degrees Celsius
- Ionian Islands: 15 to 19 degrees Celsius
- North and East Aegean Islands: 13 to 23 degrees Celsius
- Cyclades and Dodecanese: 14 to 23 degrees Celsius
- Crete: 17 to 27 degrees Celsius
Winds in the Aegean Sea will blow from western directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort. In the Ionian Sea, winds will be from northwestern directions at 4 to 6 Beaufort.
Athens and Thessaloniki Specific Forecast
In Attica (Athens region): Sunshine is expected. Winds will blow from western to northwestern directions at 3 to 5 Beaufort. The temperature in central Athens will range from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius.
In Thessaloniki: Sunshine is anticipated, with only local cloudiness appearing from noon onwards. Winds will initially blow from western directions at 2 to 4 Beaufort, but from the morning, they will shift to northwestern at 3 to 5 Beaufort. During the midday and afternoon, winds may temporarily reach 6 Beaufort in some areas. The temperature in central Thessaloniki will range from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius.
The combination of rain and African dust created a unique atmospheric phenomenon in Athens, highlighting the dynamic nature of weather patterns influenced by broader regional conditions. While the dust is expected to subside, the event served as a reminder of the diverse meteorological occurrences that can affect the city.
Source: https://www.newsit.gr/ellada/vroxeros-kairos-kai-afrikaniki-skoni-stin-athina-ksethapsan-tis-ompreles-katoikoi-kai-touristes/4677610/
