Weather Warning: Heat, Muddy Showers, and Saharan Dust Ahead

Think again if you thought Greek summer was all about sipping iced coffee. This week, the “heatwave” is coming in hot—literally—and it’s bringing some friends: Saharan dust, swampy humidity, and enough mud rain to ruin everyone’s sandals.

Let’s get the facts straight before anyone blames the neighbor’s barbecue for the haze. The heatwave rolling in from the African coast has its sights set on the east Mediterranean, which unfortunately includes both tourists sweating through their linen shirts and locals grumbling at the bus stop.

Two Acts of Spring Insanity

First up, there are not just one but two rounds of heat, according to meteorologist Giórgos Tsatrafýllias on Facebook:

• First round: Tuesday to Wednesday
  • Muddy rain and surprise showers in northern and central Greece.
  • Thermometers in Thessaly, Boeotia, Phthiotis, and Crete will read 32–33°C, with northern Crete threatening to outdo itself.
  • Athens will hover bleakly at 30°C, while Thessaloniki settles for a modest 28°C.
  • Dust clouds from Africa will smother western and southern areas. Sunglasses won’t help.
• Second round: Friday to Saturday
  • North Greece gets hit again with muddy rain and those unscheduled midday showers.
  • Peloponnese, Aetolia-Acarnania, Boeotia, Euboea, Phthiotis, and Crete will cook at up to 33°C, with the north of Crete boldly reaching 35°C.
  • Athens and Thessaloniki refuse to budge—same story, different day.
  • If you thought the dust earlier was bad, brace for thicker clouds across the west, center, and south.

The transfer of warm air masses from Libya is a given; residents should prepare for two significant waves. No hyperbole detected there. Meteorologists are also reminding everyone—especially those who like white shirts—that these muddy showers could turn your sightseeing trip into a laundry day.

Expect everyone’s favorite—African dust—to make an unwanted appearance everywhere from balconies to rental cars.

“Concentration levels of Saharan dust will increase, especially in Crete and southern Greek regions,” confirmed Giórgos Tsatrafýlliast, clearly underselling the mess.