Large Saharan dust plume impacts southern and eastern Europe
A large plume of Saharan dust is moving across the Mediterranean Sea into southern and central Europe, with peak concentrations expected on April 16. The event is likely to reduce air quality and may cause “blood rain” in areas affected by rainfall.
Dust concentration over Europe valid 12:00 UTC on April 16, 2025. Image credit: AEMET
A significant plume of Saharan dust is currently moving across the Mediterranean Sea and southern Italy toward central and southeastern Europe.
Dust concentrations are forecast to increase on Wednesday, April 16, with the highest levels expected over Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, as well as parts of Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.
The intrusion may lead to reduced air quality and, in combination with precipitation, result in surface dust deposits commonly referred to as “blood rain.”
Depending on particle size and concentration, PM10 and PM2.5 levels may exceed local air quality thresholds.
Sensitive groups, including individuals with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions, are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors shut, as the fine dust particles can cause respiratory irritation.
The current dust event is driven by strong south-westerly winds originating over North Africa. The winds are part of a larger synoptic-scale system influencing weather patterns across the Mediterranean and central Europe.
Saharan dust intrusions into Europe are not uncommon during spring and late summer. They typically peak between March and May, coinciding with increased surface wind activity over the Sahara and transitional weather patterns in the Mediterranean basin.
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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