Sahara dust over Spain – sky coloured orange

Since the beginning of the week, a cloud of dust from the North African desert has been hovering over parts of Spain. In many places, the Saharan dust is clouding the sky and turning it orange to whitish.

Particulate matter pollution has risen significantly. Authorities therefore advise sensitive individuals such as asthmatics, children and the elderly to avoid physical exertion outdoors.

A low-pressure system over the south of the Iberian Peninsula and the North African coast is pushing hot air masses containing large amounts of Saharan dust northwards. Italy, southern France and southern Switzerland are also affected.

Showers and thunderstorms may cause so-called blood rain in some areas, covering roads and cars with red dust. By Thursday, the wind will shift to the west, gradually bringing in "clean" Atlantic air again.