Travelers, be wary of weather disruptions in Greece
Greece Braces for Spring Storms
Athens — Spring storms have begun to sweep across Greece, with rain and thunderstorms expected in the Peloponnese peninsula, Central and Northern Greece, Lesbos, and Chios. While periods of clear skies are likely during the week, another round of rain is predicted, accompanied by a weather warning from the Greek Meteorological Service.
These storms could bring strong winds, particularly on the Cyclades and the northern Sporades, and temperatures are set to drop. While temperatures could climb to 37 degrees Celsius on Crete today, nationwide highs will be limited to 26 degrees by midweek. These storms appear to persist until at least the weekend.
Some welcoming news for residents concerns the Saharan dust that has recently impacted Crete, the Peloponnese, and Athens. The rain is expected to help dissipate this dust and lower the risk of wildfires in many regions.
Temperature and Wind Patterns
The storms will cause sudden drops in temperature due to the clash between cold fronts from northern Europe and warm, humid air from the Mediterranean. This interaction stabilizes temperatures that could otherwise rise rapidly. Storms are often accompanied by moderate to strong winds, reaching up to 5 or 6 Beaufort, particularly in southeastern Aegean regions, which can spread flames for existing wildfires but also assist in the dispersal of rain.
Effect on Wildfires
The rain will help reduce the risk of wildfires by wetting the ground and lowering the risk of fires starting or spreading. The cooler temperatures associated with the storms also decrease the likelihood of new fires igniting. While these storms provide temporary relief from fire risks, prolonged dry periods following storms can lead to conditions that fuel fires again.
Impact on Saharan Dust
The storms can help disperse Saharan dust by washing away particulate matter, thus improving air quality and visibility in affected regions. The effectiveness of the storms varies based on their intensity and location; regions with frequent and heavy rainfall are more likely to see a significant reduction in dust levels.
Science predicts a drop in temperatures across Greece due to the clash of cold fronts from northern Europe and warm, humid air from the Mediterranean, known as climate-change patterns. The environmental-science consequences of these spring storms extend beyond weather, as they aid in the dissipation of Saharan dust and help lower the risk of wildfires.
