Dust Storm Hits Istanbul and Will Last for a Week

Weather experts in Türkiye have predicted that Istanbul will be affected by a dust storm coming from North Africa, starting today and lasting for a week.

Professor Dr. Hussein Toros, a member of the Faculty of Atmospheric Sciences at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), explained that with the arrival of spring, dust from the Sahara Desert and North Africa, and sometimes from the Arabian Peninsula, is carried by wind currents to other regions.

Toros stated that this is a natural event and that dust from hot desert areas can travel to Europe and Turkey through wind currents. He also explained that the dust, carried by high-pressure systems and wind currents, can cause changes in air quality and alter the color of the atmosphere.

He confirmed that Istanbul will be under the influence of the desert dust from North Africa starting today, and according to weather prediction models, the dust storm will last for a week in the city.

Toros added, "We can see the dust on vehicles and surfaces. Dust storms are not limited to small areas like regional rainfalls; currently, the desert dust has covered southern Europe and Eastern Europe and will affect a large part of Turkey."

Toros mentioned that the hazy, reddish appearance of the sky indicates that desert dust is active on some days, and the effect may be more noticeable.

He advised elderly people and those with chronic illnesses to avoid spending long periods outside and to take necessary precautions. He also recommended reducing outdoor activities during times of heavy desert dust.