The weather in Greece will experience a significant shift as a new wave of African dust sweeps across the country on Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Meteorologists warned that suspended particles will travel from North Africa toward the central Mediterranean. Southwest air mass circulation drives this movement, carrying desert dust across Italy, the Ionian Sea, Greece, and the Balkans. Western and northern Greek regions sit directly along the main trajectory of the approaching dust cloud.
Tracking the trajectory of the african dust cloud
The african dust plume will begin expanding toward Greek territory throughout the day on Friday. Initially, the highest concentrations will settle over the central Mediterranean and the western edge of the country. Gradually, the cloud will push over the Ionian islands and western mainland before reaching central and northern Greece by Friday night.
On Saturday, the massive african dust zone will continue moving northeastward across the mainland toward the northern Balkan Peninsula. Residents and travelers in western and northwestern regions face hazy skies and reduced visibility due to their proximity to the main axis. Conversely, eastern and southeastern Greece will experience significantly lighter african dust concentrations during this two-day weather event.
Forecasting mud rain across western and northern regions
Atmospheric african dust only produces mud rain when suspended desert particles coincide geographically and temporally with active precipitation.
According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), scattered clouds and local rain will develop over the northern Ionian on Friday. Epirus and western Central Greece also face local showers and possible thunderstorms, raising the likelihood of localized mud rain.
On Saturday, rainy clouds will initially target western Greece before shifting toward northern regions by midday. Northeastern areas may experience isolated thunderstorms, while lighter local showers will develop across the rest of the mainland.
Outlining thursday’s weather ahead of the African dust wave
Before the African dust arrives, Thursday will bring locally increased clouds over Epirus, western Central Greece, and the Peloponnese. Weak local showers will also affect the eastern Aegean islands, while most other regions enjoy sunny intervals.
Early morning and late-night fog will reduce visibility across inland valleys. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly, reaching 20 to 22 degrees Celsius in northern Greece and 25 degrees elsewhere.
Strengthening southern winds will sweep across the seas at 6 to 7 Beaufort. Athens will see temperatures between 15 and 24 degrees Celsius, while Thessaloniki reaches a mild 22 degrees.
