Desert dust is coming from Africa! It will not leave Turkey for 10 days.

10.05.2026 10:02

Intense desert dust transport coming from North Africa is set to affect Turkey nationwide. Experts warn that air quality will decline for 10 days, while temperatures are also expected to rise above seasonal norms. It was reported that in many cities, especially Istanbul, mud rain may occur along with downpours.

According to the latest assessments of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, Turkey will be affected by both a heat wave and desert dust transport from North Africa in the new week. It is stated that the desert dust, expected to be effective across the country, will remain in Turkey for approximately 10 days.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE TODAY?

According to meteorological data, showers are expected today in the northern and eastern Marmara, Central Anatolia, Western and Central Black Sea, northern and western Eastern Anatolia, and the Taurus Mountains section of the Eastern Mediterranean. Precipitation is forecast to be strong especially in the inner parts of the Western Black Sea, western Ankara, and the surroundings of Bilecik, Eskisehir, Amasya, and Tokat.

DESERT DUST FROM AFRICA TO COVER THE COUNTRY

Prof. Dr. Huseyin Toros, faculty member at ITU Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, stated that the desert dust will be effective across the country, starting especially from the western regions. Noting that Istanbul is among the first cities to be affected, Toros expressed that there may be a significant decline in air quality.

Toros stated that the intense dust transport from North Africa could pose a risk especially for citizens with respiratory diseases and emphasized the need for caution.

Prof. Dr. Toros noted that the intense desert dust transport from the Sahara Desert is expected to be effective in Turkey and the Mediterranean Basin for 10 days starting from today.

TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE SEASONAL NORMS

Meteorology experts announced that, along with the desert dust, air temperatures will rise above seasonal norms in the northern, central, and western regions. Experts warned citizens that muddy precipitation may occur in areas receiving rainfall.

It was reported that the desert dust is expected to leave Turkey starting Monday, May 18.