09.05.2026 13:34
Starting today, Turkey is coming under the influence of Saharan desert dust. Professor Dr. Hüseyin Toros, a faculty member at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Climate Science and Meteorology Engineering, stated: 'Turkey and the Mediterranean Basin will be under the influence of intense desert dust transport originating from North Africa for 10 days starting today. Istanbul is also among the cities that will be primarily affected due to the desert dust coming from the west.'
Due to its geographical location, Turkey can be exposed to desert dust, which consists of very fine mineral particles that mix into the atmosphere from arid regions such as the Sahara Desert in North Africa and are transported by winds.
Every year, approximately 180 million tons of mineral dust from the Sahara Desert mix into the atmosphere and are carried by winds, reaching Europe, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Americas. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros provided information to an AA reporter about this desert dust.
Toros stated that desert dust is particularly more influential in Turkey during the spring months and explained that the hot and dry air layer over vast desert areas allows the dust to be transported at high atmospheric levels over long distances.
TURKEY WILL REMAIN UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DESERT DUST FOR 10 DAYS
Toros emphasized that desert dust events should be evaluated not only locally but as part of the global atmospheric circulation, and said, "According to meteorological forecast models, Turkey and the Mediterranean Basin will come under the influence of intense desert dust transport originating from North Africa starting today and lasting for 10 days. Istanbul is among the cities that will be primarily affected due to the desert dust coming from the west. The intense desert dust transport from North Africa will cause a decline in air quality nationwide, starting from the western regions. We expect the desert dust to leave the country as of next Monday (May 18)."
Toros drew attention to the fact that desert dust poses a risk for individuals with asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and allergic respiratory tract diseases, and noted that it is especially important for the elderly, children, and citizens with chronic illnesses not to stay outdoors for long periods during intense dust transport.
Toros stated that many scientific studies have shown that fine particulate matter in the atmosphere has negative effects on the lungs, and said, "Desert dust can be transported thousands of kilometers and seriously affect air quality even in the Caribbean and the American continent."
DESERT DUST IS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR THE ECOSYSTEM
Toros expressed that desert dust not only causes air pollution but also serves as an important natural carrier for the world's ecosystem, explaining that dust transported from the Sahara Desert, being rich in iron, phosphorus, and various minerals, nourishes plankton in the oceans and tropical forests.
Toros reported that research shows dust rising from the Sahara carries a significant portion of the phosphorus needed by the Amazon rainforest, and said that the natural transport of minerals through the atmosphere is of great importance for the continuity of the Amazon ecosystem.
Prof. Dr. Toros stated that during periods when desert dust transport is effective, air quality data should be regularly monitored, and recommended that unless necessary, citizens should not stay outdoors for long periods, reduce intense physical activities, and respiratory patients should use masks when needed if the air quality index reaches red, purple, or brown levels.
Toros added that vehicles may need to be washed after muddy rains, and emphasized the importance of citizens taking into account meteorological and health warnings, especially for sensitive groups.