A new wave of African dust is set to reach Greece starting Saturday, May 16, 2026, accompanied by scattered rain — including muddy downpours — across several regions through Tuesday, May 19. According to meteo.gr, the forecasting service of the National Observatory of Athens, atmospheric circulation linked to a fast-moving low-pressure system will drive Saharan dust northward into Greek airspace.
Dust Distribution Timeline
Dust concentrations are expected to rise first over western Greece on Saturday morning, gradually spreading across the country. By Saturday afternoon, however, levels will begin to recede in most areas — except the south and east, where elevated concentrations will persist into the evening. By early Sunday, May 17, dust levels are forecast to drop significantly even in those southern and eastern regions.
Satellite imagery from meteo.gr shows notably high near-surface dust concentrations expected over western Crete during Saturday night — a key hotspot for visibility and air quality concerns.
Rain and Thunderstorms
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday across western Greece — particularly in Epirus, western Central Greece, and western Peloponnese — as confirmed by Theodoros Kolydas, Director of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY). In a social media post dated May 15, he explained that two upper-level atmospheric disturbances — one arriving Saturday and another on Tuesday — will trigger increased rainfall, especially over western sectors.
While conditions will improve Sunday, renewed rain is expected Tuesday, this time focused over northwestern Greece. Kolydas noted that no significant heat advection is anticipated; instead, temperatures will hover slightly below seasonal norms, with generally mild winds not exceeding Force 5–6 on the Beaufort scale.
Regional Outlook
Meteorologist Christina Rigou of Mega TV described Saturday’s weather as highly unsettled: increasing cloud cover and rain will move eastward from the west during the day, reaching mainland areas and the northern Aegean by afternoon. Isolated thunderstorms are likely in the northern Ionian Sea, Epirus, and Macedonia. Southern regions will see only brief, light rain.
Residents in affected areas — especially western Greece — are advised to stay alert for reduced visibility, dusty conditions, and localized flash flooding.