Thick Saharan dust from North Africa covered parts of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and neighboring countries on March 4, 2026, producing hazy skies, orange deposits, and moderate-to-poor air quality. Forecasts show the plume spreading toward central Europe before dispersing after March 6.
A plume of Saharan dust stretching from the coast of Africa to the northwestern Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to reach Florida by Saturday, May 31, 2025. Southern and central parts of the state are expected to experience hazy skies and reduced air quality over the weekend. A denser plume could arrive by mid-next week, with the dust reaching Texas by Tuesday, June 3.
A massive Saharan dust plume reached South Florida on July 20, 2024, causing reduced air quality and hazy skies. Rain is also forecasted for the weekend, and the mix of dust and precipitation is expected to bring dirty rains to Florida.
The largest outbreak of Saharan dust this summer is currently making its way across the Atlantic Ocean, potentially impacting air quality and weather patterns throughout the Caribbean and parts of the United States. This marks a significant shift in the season’s weather patterns, influenced by the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), which is known for its ability to suppress tropical cyclone formation.
A large Saharan dust cloud engulfed parts of central Europe, most notably Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, on Friday, June 21, 2024, significantly affecting air quality in the region. The intensity and relatively high number of Saharan dust intrusions in recent months have raised questions about the possibility that these events are related to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns.
The second large plume of Saharan dust reached the Caribbean and South America on June 7, 2022, after a journey of more than 5 500 km (3 400 miles), as forecasted by Copernicus CAMS and confirmed by Sentinel-5p Aerosol index.
A large plume of Saharan dust emerged off the coast of western Africa this week and has now reached the Caribbean Sea and South America. This is the season’s first large plume of Saharan dust to cross the Atlantic.
A huge cloud of Saharan dust is moving over the Mediterranean Sea into Italy and southeastern Europe on April 24, 2022.
A Saharan dust storm has transformed skies and landscapes in parts of Europe on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. The dust plumes have already reached northern Europe and are now crossing the Atlantic Ocean toward South America. A #SaharanDust storm has transformed skies and…
Another large Saharan dust cloud has lifted off western Africa late Sunday, August 22, 2021, and is now moving over the Atlantic Ocean toward the Caribbean and the United States. The cloud seems of similar strength to the one produced last week. Image credit:…
