Spain Air Quality Alert: Sahara Sandstorm

What is the location of the dust storm?

Spain and southern Europe are experiencing a sandstorm on June 11, 2023. The event is a result of large-scale transport of Saharan dust moving across the Mediterranean Sea (1).

The dust storm is impacting the air quality in most of the western Mediterranean, especially Spain. The country is currently experiencing a heat wave.

Which cities or areas are affected by the dust storm?

The cities and regions directly impacted by the dust storm include:

• Southern and eastern Spain
• Southeastern France
• Northern Italy
• Mediterranean islands, including Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands

Cities with poor air quality on Tuesday included Barcelona, Granada, Guadalajara, and Albacete, in Spain and Marseille and Clermont Ferrand in France.

How long will the dust storm last?

Saharan sand and dust began to be transported to southern Europe on the weekend of July 7 through 9. While the exact duration of the dust storm isn’t certain, it is expected to peak on July 11.

Are there any alerts in place?

There are no emergency alerts at this time.

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.