Crete Again Under a Hazy Blanket: New Wave of Saharan Dust to Persist Until Friday

Newsflash from Wednesday, 15 April 2026:

If you’ve noticed a yellow tint to the sky and a drop in visibility today, you aren’t imagining it. A new episode of Saharan dust transport is currently sweeping across Crete, and according to meteorologists, it’s here to stay for the next few days.

Data from the DUST/METEO model of the National Observatory of Athens indicates that while this wave isn’t as extreme as the historic “orange-red” event we witnessed on April 1st, it will significantly impact the island’s atmosphere through the end of the week.

The Timeline: What to Expect

The dust concentrations are expected to fluctuate over the coming days:

* Tuesday, April 14: The presence of dust is already noticeable across the island.
* Wednesday, April 15: Forecasts show a slight increase in atmospheric concentrations.

Crete is one of the areas already affected, with particularly high levels of particulate matter (PM10) having been recorded.

As an indication, concentrations in Heraklion reach around 311 g/m³, levels that indicate significant air pollution.

* Thursday, April 16: The phenomenon will remain steady, with hazy skies persisting from morning until evening.

* Friday, April 17: The episode is expected to peak. This is when the weather may take a turn for the “messy,” with local mud showers (rain mixed with dust) likely hitting the southern parts of Crete.

Visibility and “Mud Showers”

The primary effect of this Saharan wave will be a “blurred” or hazy atmosphere, which can significantly reduce visibility for drivers and hikers.

The most notable phenomenon, however, will be the mud showers. As the dust concentrations thicken toward Friday, any light rainfall will bring the dust down to the surface. Residents are advised to hold off on washing their cars or windows until the weekend when the wave is expected to clear!

A Milder Episode Than Before

It is worth noting that this current event is considerably milder than the record-breaking dust storm seen at the start of the month. On April 1st, Crete saw “apocalyptic” orange skies that made international headlines.

While this week’s event is less visually dramatic, health experts still recommend that individuals with respiratory sensitivities or asthma take precautions, as air quality will be temporarily degraded.