Southwest Europe Air Quality Alert: Southwest Europe Dust

What is the location of the dust and sand?

On June 25, 2024, a plume of Saharan dust has been driven over southwestern Europe resulting in poor air quality for several cities (1). Communities in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France are experiencing air quality ranging from “moderate” to “unhealthy” due to elevated dust and sand in the air.

The dust plume is expected to continue to drift over northern Europe and will be blown north and east throughout the week.

Which cities or areas are affected by the dust and sand?

Dust is currently impacting air quality in several southwestern European cities, including:

• Barcelona, Spain
• Cartagena, Spain
• Florence, Italy
• Genoa, Italy
• Madrid, Spain
  
• Marseille, France
• Milan, Italy
  
• Paris, France
• Rome, Italy
• Toulouse, France
• Venice, Italy

How long will the dust and sand event last?

On Wednesday, June 24, 2025, the dust plume moved north and east. The Saharan dust plume reached northern France, southern Germany, the southern UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, and into the western Balkans. By Thursday, much of the dust will continue to be driven northeast into northern, central, and eastern Europe.

Though dust in some of western Europe will dissipate, Spain, Portugal, and Italy will likely remain dusty throughout the week.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.