Skies over southern Greece turned an orange hue on Tuesday as powerful dust clouds blown from North Africa engulfed Athens and its iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis. The dust, carried by strong southerly winds from the Sahara Desert, gave the Greek capital an otherworldly, Martian-like filter during the last hours of daylight.

The arrival of the dust clouds has led to decreased visibility and a hazy atmosphere in Athens. However, relief is on the horizon as the weather forecast predicts that the skies will clear on Wednesday as the winds shift and disperse the dust. Additionally, temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days.

In the midst of this weather phenomenon, parts of the southern island of Crete experienced an unusually high daily temperature. With temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), the southern island was more than 20 degrees C hotter than many parts of northern Greece.

Unfortunately, the strong southerly winds have also contributed to the outbreak of unseasonal wildfires in the southern regions of the country. According to the fire service, a total of 25 wildfires occurred across Greece within the past 24 hours. In the Aegean Sea resort island of Paros, three individuals were arrested on suspicion of accidentally causing a scrub blaze. Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly brought under control. Another fire near a naval base on Crete was also successfully contained on Tuesday.

Greece has a history of devastating and sometimes deadly forest fires during the summer months. Last year, the country witnessed the largest wildfire in the European Union in over two decades. With persistent drought and high spring temperatures, concerns arise among firefighters as they anticipate a potentially challenging period ahead.

As the dust clouds gradually dissipate and the wildfires are being brought under control, authorities remain vigilant and prepared for potential future challenges.