Portugal health alert issued over North African dust intrusion

The Portuguese Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has issued an alert regarding poor air quality caused by a concentration of dust particles originating from the North African deserts. The phenomenon, which involves an increase in inhalable particles (PM10), is expected to affect most of mainland Portugal, with the highest impact anticipated in the Central and Southern regions.

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) indicates that these suspended dust particles will persist through Friday and Saturday, with a potential for continued influence into the following week. A change in atmospheric circulation is expected to begin dispersing the particles starting Monday.

The DGS advises vulnerable groups—including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions—to remain indoors with windows closed whenever possible. The health authority also recommends that the general population limit outdoor physical activity and avoid risk factors such as tobacco smoke or irritants while the phenomenon persists.