Saharan dust: advisory in Alpes-Maritimes and Var

The prefecture of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region on 28 August announced the introduction of an information and advisory procedure in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments due to exceedances of threshold concentrations of fine particulate matter PM10 caused by the transport of desert dust from North Africa.

Causes and current situation

On Friday 28 August, the regional prefecture of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur officially activated the information and advisory procedure for the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments. The reason was a significant rise in airborne concentrations of PM10 particulate matter, caused by the atmospheric transport of sand and dust from the Sahara desert.

Satellite observations and data from meteorological stations confirm that a dust cloud, lifted by strong winds in North Africa, reached southern France, creating conditions for a short-lived but noticeable deterioration in air quality. PM10 concentrations have exceeded regulatory thresholds, which requires particular attention from the public. Up-to-date data on the episode are published by the air quality monitoring service AtmoSud.

Recommendations for the public

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to the region, especially those in sensitive groups, to observe precautionary measures: during such episodes, and particularly for people with respiratory or cardiac conditions, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical exertion if you are vulnerable or sensitive to air quality.

In addition, specialists advise minimising time spent near busy roads during peak hours when exhaust concentrations are especially high. People with chronic lung or cardiovascular diseases should temporarily limit time outdoors and consult a doctor if necessary.

Expected development

Meteorologists forecast that the peak of pollution caused by Saharan dust is expected in the coming hours, after which particle concentrations should gradually decrease. The exact timing of a return to normal levels depends on wind direction and strength, which continue to facilitate the transport of dust masses.

Local air quality monitoring services (AtmoSud) are continuing to track the situation in real time and publish updated data on their platforms. If conditions worsen, the prefecture may tighten measures, up to and including imposing restrictions on vehicle movement in major cities of the Côte d’Azur urban area.

Context of the phenomenon

Episodes of Saharan dust are not uncommon in southern France: a similar procedure was introduced in the region on 16 July, and earlier at the end of May. In June the region already experienced a wave of polluted air, at that time prefectures also declared an elevated alert level. Experts link the increasing frequency of such episodes to climate change and worsening droughts in desert regions — more on this in the piece about what the climate of the Côte d’Azur will be like by 2050.

Specialists remind that even after the pollution episode ends, dust particles settled on open surfaces can be resuspended into the air by wind or traffic. It is therefore recommended to carry out regular wet cleaning of balconies and windowsills, rather than sweeping dust dry, to avoid contributing to renewed air pollution.

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