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

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

On May 16, 2025, the Greek holiday island of Crete experienced drastic weather chaos, which was accompanied by hurricane-force gusts and a massive cloud of Saharan dust. Loud fr.de Wind speeds of up to 110 km/h were measured, which not only caused damage but also severely limited visibility. The source reports that the cause of these extreme weather conditions was a depression west of Greece that brought both squalls and Saharan dust to the region.

The dramatic impact resulted in an orange-red sky, indicating the presence of Saharan dust. Temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius were recorded that day, with some measurements reaching as high as 34 degrees. The situation became so serious that numerous flights, including connections to Athens, Chania and Santorini, had to be diverted. Several flights were even canceled completely, which affected the vacation plans of many, like the Daily Mirror reported.

Consequences of the weather situation

After the storm, rainfall wiped some dust particles from the air but left an unpleasant layer of sand on roads and vehicles. Residents immediately began cleaning the reddish dust accumulations in front of shops. According to doctors, the fine dust levels in Crete, which were over 250 micrograms per cubic meter of air, posed a serious health risk. Doctors advise people with respiratory diseases to take precautionary measures and avoid physically strenuous outdoor activities.

The weather forecast continues to look unstable for the following days. Rain and storms are also expected to reach the southern Aegean, including Rhodes, over the weekend. Scientists also warn that health problems can occur with fine dust concentrations as low as 50 micrograms per cubic meter. In Athens, temperatures rose to 26 degrees at midday, while visibility remained limited.

Expectations and outlook

While southerly winds continue to transport desert sand from the Sahara to Greece, lighter westerly winds are expected over the weekend. These could help break up particulate matter in the region and improve air quality. However, the situation remains tense and many residents and holidaymakers are concerned about the ongoing extreme weather events and their impact on health.