Overview
- CAMS reports an intense Sahara-origin plume now over Iberia and southern France, with observed haze, dust deposits and PM10/PM2.5 increases in several cities.
- National agencies including AEMET in Spain and AtmoSud in France advised people with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity until conditions improve.
- Model guidance indicates the main dust layer will travel aloft toward the North Sea, Benelux, the UK and parts of Scandinavia around March 5–6.
- Where rain coincides with the plume, wet deposition could bring dust to ground level and leave reddish residues on cars and surfaces, alongside vivid sunrises and sunsets.
- CAMS and WMO RSMC Barcelona expect dilution and washout to begin with Atlantic fronts, with most surface concentrations returning toward background levels by March 7.