On April 23, 2024, an unusual weather phenomenon occurred in Europe as parts of Greece turned orange and Finland experienced heavy snowfall. The cause of the orange hue in Greece was a yellow-orange dust cloud from the Sahara desert that blanketed the country.
The Greek meteorological service reported that conditions favored the movement of dust from Africa, leading to increased concentrations in southern parts of Greece. This phenomenon is not uncommon and brings limited visibility and prompts warnings of breathing risks.
Meanwhile, Finland was dealing with an unusually white April week as heavy snowfall brought public transport to a standstill across the country. More than 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) of snow fell in some areas, stranding trams and delaying bus and metro services in the Finnish capital.
In Greece, the orange dust cloud gave Athens an otherworldly appearance, with some comparing it to a colony of Mars. The Acropolis and other landmarks were covered in dust as southerly winds carried waves of Saharan dust to the city.
The yellow-orange fog was expected to gradually decrease on Wednesday morning, but would still be limited to the east. Authorities urged people to take precautions due to potential health risks associated with breathing in the dust.
Finland's unusual weather also caused flight cancellations and delays at Helsinki Airport as freezing rain turned into ice almost immediately upon hitting the ground, requiring extensive de-icing efforts.
The Saharan dust cloud is not an isolated incident. NASA reported that a low-pressure system over northern Africa had swept dust over Cyprus several times in mid-April, darkening skies and reducing air quality. The shroud of tan was expected to continue to cross the Mediterranean, impacting both Cyprus and Greece over the next several days.
Despite these weather anomalies, it is important to note that they are not indicative of any larger climate trends or patterns. Weather is a complex phenomenon influenced by numerous factors and can vary greatly from one day to the next.
