Viral footage showing blood red skies over parts of Greece has sparked concern online, but experts say the dramatic scenes were caused by a natural weather event involving dust from the Sahara Desert, not a disaster.
The video, shared widely on social media including by commentator Mario Nawfal, shows cars driving through dark red haze and streets covered in dust mixed with rain.
The unusual color led some viewers to compare the scene to an apocalyptic movie.
According to reports, the phenomenon was caused by iron oxide rich dust blown north from Libya and Egypt by strong seasonal winds.
When this fine desert sand enters the atmosphere, it can scatter sunlight and create deep orange or red skies.
Weather experts say this type of Saharan dust transport is not uncommon, particularly during the spring months, when atmospheric conditions make it easier for dust clouds to travel across the Mediterranean into southern Europe.
When the dust mixes with rain, it can also create what is often called "mud rain," leaving a thin layer of reddish residue on cars, buildings, and roads.
While the visuals may look alarming, officials say the event is generally not dangerous, though people with respiratory conditions are sometimes advised to limit outdoor exposure during heavy dust days.
Environmental agencies often monitor these events because high dust concentrations can temporarily affect air quality and visibility.
However, these occurrences are considered part of normal seasonal weather patterns in the region.
Scientists note that the red coloring comes specifically from iron oxide, a natural compound found in desert sand that gives the dust its rust like appearance when suspended in the air.
Events like this regularly go viral because of their unusual appearance, but meteorologists stress they are well understood natural phenomena rather than warning signs of extreme events.
For residents and travelers, the biggest impacts are usually reduced visibility, dusty surfaces, and temporary air quality concerns rather than long term risks.