What is the location of the dust storm?
A dust storm has significantly impacted air quality and travel across most of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwestern coast of Africa (1).
The storm originated from the Sahara Desert, sweeping across western Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Western Sahara. The storm has stretched over 1,000 miles, affecting communities in the Sahara Desert and reaching the Canary Islands.
Flight diversions and cancellations have impacted routes connecting Gran Canaria, El Hierro, La Palma, and Tenerife Islands (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the dust storm?
The storm is impacting multiple cities in the western and central Canary Islands, including:
The dust storm has impacted air quality in countries and territories across North Africa, including Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, and Western Sahara.
How long will the dust storm last?
The dust storm arrived in the Canary Islands on Monday, March 30, 2026, around noon. The worst of the storm is expected to clear on the islands by Wednesday evening, April 1, 2026, with conditions gradually improving into Thursday morning (3).
Are there any alerts in place?
In the Canary Islands, yellow weather warnings were issued across the islands starting March 30. Authorities advised residents and visitors to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, keep windows shut, and stay hydrated to minimize exposure to the dust.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
