Dense Saharan Dust Blankets Malta Amid Sweltering Heatwave
In brief
- A thick cloud of Saharan dust has spread across Malta, turning skies yellow and worsening air quality.
- Temperatures climbed to 36°C with apparent 'feels like' temperatures reaching up to 43°C.
- Satellite data shows the desert dust extending across the western Mediterranean from North Africa to Sicily.
A substantial plume of Saharan dust has blanketed the Maltese Islands, creating hazy yellow skies during the peak of an intense summer heatwave.
Satellite imagery indicates that fine desert sand, swept up by strong wind currents from North Africa, has travelled across the western Mediterranean and reached as far north as Sicily.
The airborne particles have led to elevated concentrations of PM10 particulate matter in the atmosphere, creating poor air quality conditions across the country.
The dusty conditions coincided with blistering temperatures that soared to 36°C, with the heat index making conditions feel as hot as 43°C.
Health experts have previously highlighted that elevated particulate levels during summer heatwaves present added challenges for individuals suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. All outlets reported this weather event consistently without notable framing differences.