This Tuesday, February 24th, dust originating in the Sahara Desert, in North Africa, is expected to arrive in mainland Portugal, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
The transport of dust will first affect the Madeira archipelago this Monday (23), then heading towards the mainland, “gradually progressing from south to north, part of a southerly flow, defined by the anticyclone located over the Iberian Peninsula and the approach of a cold frontal surface to the continent”.
One of the visible effects of suspended dust has to do with changing the color of the sky, “as it is normally found at higher levels when far from the origin”, explains the IPMA, highlighting that it will be “more likely that wet deposition of dust will occur”, as a consequence of the rain expected from the end of this Tuesday in mainland Portugal.
The IPMA also warns of the possibility of “implications on air quality and health impacts”.
In this sense, it is suggested that the recommendations from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS). Elderly people, children and chronically ill people (with respiratory problems, especially asthma, and cardiovascular problems) should, if possible, stay at home with the windows closed.
The general population “should avoid prolonged exertion, limit outdoor physical activity and exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritating products”, indicates the DGS.
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