Saharan Dust Plume Reaches France, Bringing Mild Temperatures and Air Quality Concerns

Saharan Dust Cloud Blankets France

A substantial plume of Saharan dust reached France, encompassing Paris and the Île-de-France region, on February 24, 2026. This atmospheric phenomenon, originating from North Africa, traversed the Atlantic Ocean, passing over the Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands, and Madeira before making its way across Spain and into French airspace. The trajectory of the dust cloud was closely monitored by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and EUMETSAT, European atmospheric monitoring agencies.

Air Quality and Health Implications

The arrival of the Saharan dust raised concerns regarding air quality, particularly due to an expected increase in PM10 and PM2.5 fine particles. Historical data from Airparif, the air quality monitoring agency for Île-de-France, indicates that Saharan dust can account for at least one-third of PM10 particles during such episodes, potentially leading to concentrations exceeding the alert threshold of 50 µg/m³.

While desert-origin particles are generally considered less harmful than those from urban pollution sources like traffic or wood-burning, they can still pose health risks. Vulnerable populations, including:

• Children
• The elderly
• Individuals with asthma
• Those with chronic cardiovascular or respiratory conditions

may experience respiratory irritation or exacerbated existing conditions. The severity of the impact on air quality depends on whether the dust remains aloft, causing a hazy sky, or descends closer to the ground.

Unseasonably Mild Temperatures Accompany Dust

The southerly airflow responsible for transporting the Saharan dust also brought with it unseasonably mild temperatures across France. Forecasts for February 24, 2026, indicated 'spring-like' conditions, with temperatures in Paris ranging between 10.3°C and 14.9°C. Some southern regions of France experienced even warmer weather, with temperatures reaching up to 17.2°C. This warmth was described as typical for early May, creating a stark contrast to usual late-February conditions.

Visual Impact and Outlook

Beyond air quality concerns, the dust plume was expected to create a distinctive visual effect. If the dust remained at higher altitudes, skies were anticipated to appear hazy, milky, or even tinged with yellow or orange. This phenomenon is a recurring event in the first months of the year, with previous significant episodes affecting Île-de-France in March 2022 and February 2021. The dust event is expected to gradually subside in the coming days, with rainfall typically assisting in clearing the atmosphere and returning pollution levels to normal.