15.04.2026 13:07
It has been reported that Istanbul will be under the influence of dust transport from the Sahara Desert for three days. Experts stated that the dust could pose a risk, especially for asthma and COPD patients, by reducing air quality. It was noted that the desert dust, which is expected to lose its effect after Friday, may accumulate on vehicles and surfaces. It was also emphasized that the dust creates a natural fertilizer effect for plants.
Meteorology experts announced that Istanbul will be under the influence of desert dust coming from the Sahara Desert for 3 days starting today.
Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros, a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Department of Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering, Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the AA correspondent that dust mixed into the atmosphere from the Sahara Desert and sometimes from the Arabian Peninsula can be carried thousands of kilometers by air currents.
HOW DO DUST CLOUDS REACH TURKEY?
Stating that this situation is a natural meteorological process, Toros noted that dust rising from warming desert regions can reach as far as Turkey and Europe with winds.
Explaining that desert dust carried under the influence of high-pressure systems and strong wind currents can be present at different levels in the atmosphere, Toros said, "On some days, it is felt less at ground level. The dominance of yellow, orange, and red tones in the sky, especially during sunrise and sunset hours, is an indicator of this effect."
A DATE GIVEN FOR ISTANBUL
Toros explained that desert dust is entering Turkey over the Sahara Desert, saying, "Istanbul will come under the influence of desert dust for 3 days starting today. It will begin to lose its effect on Friday and will move from the Marmara Region to other cities in Turkey. During this process, desert dust can be seen on vehicles and surfaces."
MINERALS BROUGHT BY DUST TRANSPORT SERVE AS NATURAL FERTILIZER FOR PLANTS
Dr. Lecturer Güven Özdemir, a meteorology engineer from Istanbul Aydın University, said that Sahara-originated dust transport will move away from the Marmara Region after Friday and spread across Turkey.
HEALTH WARNING: RISK GROUPS SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS
Emphasizing that the increased particle density in the air poses a risk, especially for respiratory diseases, Özdemir stated, "On days when desert dust is effective, the elderly and children, especially asthma and COPD patients, need to be cautious. Desert dust can trigger migraines, eye infections, and allergic reactions. During this period, it is necessary to avoid staying outdoors for long periods as much as possible."
Özdemir emphasized that desert dust does not only create negative effects but also provides significant benefits for nature, stating that dust carried from the Sahara is rich in phosphorus and iron, and these minerals serve as natural fertilizer for plants, especially in the spring months.
IT WILL BE EFFECTIVE IN THE AIR IN DUST FORM
Meteorology engineer Adil Tek, working at the Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute Meteorology Laboratory, noted that the desert dust reaching Turkey over the Sahara will be more effective especially in the interior parts of Central Anatolia and the Aegean Region, and in the Mediterranean Region.
Stating that wet deposition from dust is not expected due to lack of precipitation, and it will mostly continue its effect in dust form in the air, Tek recommended not staying outdoors for long periods on days when desert dust is effective, using masks, and following current air quality data.