Massive Saharan dust storm sweeps across Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania, Africa

ByReet Kaur

A 1 600 km (1 000 miles) long sandstorm swept across parts of Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania on March 30, 2026, before it moved into the Atlantic Ocean.

A large sandstorm swept across northwestern Africa on March 30. The storm was estimated to be approximately 1 600 km (1 000 miles) long based on satellite imagery and analysis.

The event was driven by a low-pressure system over Algeria, which drew in air from Europe and lifted Saharan dust across the region.

The storm affected southern and central Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania as it moved across the region into the Atlantic Ocean.

Featured image credit: Arab Storms

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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