Crete in the chaos: Gorans' gusts and Sahara dust bring the island to a standstill!

Sturm und Saharastaub treffen Kreta. Flüge umgeleitet, Passagiere betroffen – ein Wetterphänomen mit gesundheitlichen Risiken.
Sturm and Sahara dust meet Crete. Flights redirected, passengers affected - a weather phenomenon with health risks. (Symbolbild/ER)

Crete in the chaos: Gorans' gusts and Sahara dust bring the island to a standstill!

Kreta, Griechenland - On May 16, 2025, the Greek holiday island of Crete experienced a drastic weather chaos, which was accompanied by hurricane-like gusts and a massive Saara dust cloud. According to Fr.de Wind speeds of up to 110 km/h were not only caused, but also severely restricted the view. The source reports that the cause of these extreme weather conditions was a deep west of Greece that brought both gusts of wind and Sahara dust into the region.

The dramatic effects led to an orange -red sky that pointed out the presence of the Sahara dust. On this day, temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius were registered, with some measurements even up to 34 degrees. The situation became so serious that numerous flights, including the connections to Athens, Chania and Santorin, had to be diverted. Several flights even fell completely, which affected the vacation plans for many, such as the reported.

consequences of the weather conditions

After the storm, rainfall wipes out of the air, but left an unpleasant layer of sand on streets and vehicles. Residents immediately started cleaning the reddish dust collections in front of shops. According to doctors, the fine dust values ​​on Crete, which were over 250 micrograms per cubic meter of air, represented a serious health risk. Especially for people with respiratory diseases, doctors advise precautions and avoid physically exhausting activities outdoors.

The weather forecast continues to look unstable for the following days. It is expected that rain and storms will also reach the southern Aegean, including Rhodes, on weekends. In addition, scientists warn that health complaints can occur with a fine dust concentration of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. In Athens, the temperatures rose to 26 degrees at lunchtime, while the view remained limited.

expectations and outlook

While the southern winds continue to transport desert sand from the Sahara to Greece, lighter western winds are expected for the weekend. These could help to dissolve the fine dust in the region and to improve air quality. Nevertheless, the situation remains tense, and many residents and holidaymakers are concerned about the continued extreme weather and their effects on health.

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OrtKreta, Griechenland
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