Dust clouds from the Sahara are reaching Europe more frequently

Dust blown from the arid expanses of the Sahara desert is regularly carried into the sky above parts of Europe, with harmful impacts on air quality. But recently there has been an eightfold increase in these dust intrusions – even during colder months when they are unusual – and the spike in frequency and intensity has researchers concerned they are becoming more common.

“In 2024, we are having these extreme events again,” says …