A significant sandstorm originating in the Sahara Desert swept across northwest Africa in late March 2026, impacting several countries. Satellite imagery from NASA's Worldview application and the European Union's Copernicus program confirmed the extensive dust plume moving off the coast of West Africa.
The storm primarily affected Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia. Authorities reported severely reduced visibility and hazardous air quality, leading to health advisories for residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors. The poor conditions also caused disruptions to air travel, with flights delayed or diverted at major airports in the region.
Such dust storms are a common seasonal occurrence, often driven by strong winds like the Harmattan. However, their intensity and frequency can be influenced by factors including land use and climate patterns. The dust from these events can travel thousands of kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean, affecting air quality as far away as the Caribbean and the Americas.
