Athens’ Skies Turn ‘Apocalyptic’ Orange as Sahara Dust Storm Hits – Libya Covered in Red Haze | Global News

Skies over Athens turned a surreal orange hue as dust clouds from the Sahara desert swept across the Mediterranean Sea, engulfing the Acropolis and other landmarks in Greece’s capital. The unusual phenomenon was caused by strong southerly winds carrying the dust clouds from North Africa, creating an otherworldly scene in the city.

Residents took to social media to share their astonishment, with many describing the sky as the “weirdest” they had ever seen. Footage showed the city covered in a thick layer of sand, prompting comparisons to apocalyptic scenes. Meanwhile, in eastern Libya, the skies turned a deep red, resembling the surface of Mars rather than Earth.

The dust clouds are expected to clear as winds shift, bringing a drop in temperatures. However, the strong southerly winds have also fueled unseasonal wildfires in southern Greece, with 25 wildfires reported in just 24 hours. Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of starting a blaze on the island of Paros, but no significant damage or injuries were reported.

Greece is no stranger to devastating forest fires, with last year seeing the country’s largest wildfire in over two decades. With persistent drought and high temperatures, firefighters are bracing for a challenging summer ahead. The surreal sight of the orange skies serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the need for vigilance in fire-prone regions.