- Crete authorities have issued an air quality warning ahead of elevated concentrations of airborne PM10 particles.
- The deterioration is expected to begin in the early hours of Saturday, November 14, with concentrations forecast to peak during the day.
- Heraklion and Chania are expected to experience the greatest impact.
- Children, older adults, people with respiratory conditions and heart disease are advised to reduce outdoor activity and exposure.
The Region of Crete has issued urgent recommendations for residents and visitors ahead of a forecast deterioration in air quality across the island.
According to forecast data assessed by the Region’s Directorates of Public Health and Environment and Spatial Planning, concentrations of PM10 airborne particles are expected to rise from the early hours of Saturday, November 14, reaching their highest levels during the day before gradually easing on Sunday, November 15.
The impact is expected to be particularly noticeable in the Regional Units of Heraklion and Chania.
The episode is associated with the ongoing transport of Saharan dust toward Crete, with southern winds contributing to the movement of dust-laden air masses across the island. Forecasts from the National Observatory of Athens/Meteo have also identified Crete among the areas expected to experience significant dust concentrations during the current episode.
Who Needs to Take Extra Care?
The Region is specifically urging vulnerable groups to limit their exposure during periods of elevated particle concentrations.
These include:
- People with respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD
- People with cardiovascular disease
- Children
- People aged over 65
- Other people with chronic health conditions
Vulnerable people are advised to avoid or limit strenuous physical activity outdoors and reduce the amount of time they spend outside while concentrations are elevated. People with asthma may need their reliever medication more frequently and should follow the advice of their healthcare professional.
What Should the General Public Do?
For everyone else, the guidance is also straightforward: reduce strenuous outdoor activity when dust concentrations are high.
If outdoor activity is necessary, pay attention to symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, nasal congestion, or throat irritation.
Keeping windows and doors closed during periods of particularly poor air quality can also reduce indoor exposure. Rooms should be ventilated when air quality improves. Previous official guidance from the Region has also advised avoiding activities that further worsen indoor or outdoor air pollution, including wood burning.
Anyone experiencing significant or persistent symptoms, particularly difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, or severe fatigue, should seek medical advice.
When Will Conditions Improve?
The forecast indicates that the highest concentrations are expected on Saturday, November 14, followed by a gradual improvement on Sunday, November 15.
Conditions can vary considerably from one location to another, however, so residents should follow updated information from the Region of Crete and monitor local air-quality measurements.
The Region maintains an online air-quality monitoring platform where current conditions can be checked.