Members of the APCG group in collaboration with PMOD/WRC (Switzerland) observed during the last days relatively low total ozone column levels over Greece compared to the 20-year means The observation was based on OMI satellite.
This phenomenon forces the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) to reach very high values for May (UVI>10), similar to late July levels, for today and the next two days. An “ally” in these conditions is the current moderate aerosol dust event from Northern Africa, contributing in the weakening of UVI levels, however, UVI values will still be close to the maximum values observed in spring periods. The combination of such a high UVI with the high temperatures will make the outdoor activities risky for skin and eye diseases. Next days should be considered as mid-summer days and all sun related precaution measures for children and adults should be closely followed.