ZAP // CAMS
An extensive cloud of dust coming from the Sahara desert reached the Madeira archipelago this Monday and is expected to extend to mainland Portugal from this Tuesday, according to meteorology and atmospheric observation experts.
The meteorological phenomenon, which could also affect other regions of southern Europe in the coming days, has visible impact in heaven and temporary consequences for the air quality.
The aerosol plume, composed mainly of particles of Saharan dust and smoke resulting from seasonal biomass burning in Equatorial Africa, it is crossing the North Atlantic, carried by air currents from the south and southeast.
As Madeira and the Canary Islands were the first to be affected, serving as a “gateway” before the cloud continues its path towards the Iberian Peninsula and northwestern Europe. One second branch of the plume should divert towards South America.
The most recent forecasts indicate that suspended particles are expected to remain over the continental territory at least until Thursdaywith the highest concentration expected this Tuesday, especially at the end of the daywhen the sky will become more opaque and cloudy over the south and center of the country.
The phenomenon is being closely monitored by the Atmospheric Monitoring Service of the European Copernicus program (CAMS), which warns of possible impacts on visibility, air quality and dust deposition in different regions.
The episode is associated with an atmospheric pattern marked by the presence of a anticyclone over the Iberian Peninsula and the approach of a cold front.
From a visual point of view, the most immediate effect will be the changing the color of the sky: fine particles transported at high altitude give it a whitish or yellowish during the daywith orange tones coloring the sunsets.
In everyday life, the phenomenon, commonly known as hazecan also be translated into cars covered in dust, reduced visibility and slight temperature variations.
Although the predicted concentrations are not considered dangerous for the general population, health authorities recommend cautionespecially for those most vulnerable groups: children, elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
These groups may experience irritation or worsening of symptoms during periods of higher particle concentrations.
The main recommendations include avoid prolonged physical exertion outdoors on dusty days, keep windows closed whenever possible and pay extra attention to people with pre-existing health conditions.
The intensity of the phenomenon may vary over the next few daysso regularly monitoring weather forecasts and air quality indices will be essential to understand the real impact in each region.
Although it is a natural and recurring process at this time of yeara dimension of the current episode justifies the attention of experts and authorities.
The dust from the Sahara doesn’t just bring with it bad news; According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this phenomenon can also be useful for life.
Phytoplankton, which live on the ocean’s surface, feed on the dust. With an increase in phytoplankton, marine animals and fish higher up the food chain will have more food, resulting in an increase in their population.
Additionally, dust plumes can also impede strengthening and even hurricane formationwhich saves lives and future economic losses.
