Home / Editor's Pick /

Across Southern Europe: Saharan dust continues to spread

12:00
29 March 2024

Across Southern Europe
Saharan dust continues to spread

Saharan dust is spreading in Southern Europe, causing poor air quality due to the fine sand and leaving deposits of dust behind.

In the southern regions of Italy, skies have taken on a hazy tone. Sicily and parts of Calabria are particularly affected. The video above shows what it looked like on Wednesday in Catania in Sicily.

The desert dust from the Sahara was channelled to Europe by a strong southerly wind, it will move further into Central Europe in the coming days but is unlikely to reach the UK or Ireland.

Saharan dust satellite imageSaharan dust seen spreading over Portugal and Spain earlier this week on March 22nd. - © NASA

Last week, the Saharan dust first reached the Iberian Peninsula, with satellite images showing the dust cloud spreading across Portugal and Spain.

Ski slopes look on an orange hue in Spain as the dust, also referred to as calima, reached the country.

See more of the initial impacts with our article below.

Spain: Skies and ski slopes turn orangeread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Sunday 6 July 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Shining summer clouds light the night
Monday 7 July 2025

Heavy downpours

Evening thunderstorm risk for north-east
Wind radar and warning map for strong gusting winds across south-east Ireland, Wales, and the English south coast.
Tuesday 15 July 2025

For UK and Ireland

Pressure system prompts wind warnings
All weather news
This might also interest you
Monday 14 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Turning gusty as temperatures ease
Thursday 3 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Pleasant for some, unsettled for others
Two weather radars side-by-side, one showing sunny conditions over the UK and the other a temperature map showing widespread warmth.
Thursday 10 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Turning sunnier and warmer
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement