Record-breaking heat and sand from the Sahara in Italy: a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly widespread

A vast cloud of Saharan dust has reached Italia, coinciding with yet another spell of extreme heat during the summer of 2026. From the major islands to the north, the dust from North Africa has turned the sky milky, with yellowish tints and reduced visibility, coinciding with with temperatures that in some areas of the South exceeded 40 degrees.

According to weather forecasts, the transport of desert sand and dust was particularly intense between 27 and 28 August, when southerly winds associated with the African high-pressure system drove huge quantities of mineral aerosols towards the Mediterranean. The highest concentrations initially affected Sardinia and the southern regions, before spreading to central and northern Italy, affecting the entire peninsula.

This phenomenon is not new, but its scale and frequency are attracting increasing attention from the scientific community. Saharan dust intrusions are, in fact, a natural component of the Mediterranean climate system: every year, millions of tonnes of sand are lifted from the North African deserts and carried by the winds towards Europe. However, the increase in heatwaves and the greater persistence of atmospheric patterns that favour the rise of subtropical air masses appear to be contributing to these episodes becoming more frequent and more intense.

The effects are immediately visible. The sky loses its typical summer clarity and takes on a dull hue, sometimes tending towards yellow or brown. The airborne particulates scatter sunlight and can result in particularly intense and spectacular sunsets. Furthermore, when it rains, the particulates settle on the ground, giving rise to the phenomenon known as ‘red rain’, which leaves clear marks on cars, windows and exposed surfaces.

The impact is not limited to the landscape. Desert dust contributes to an increase in concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter, particularly PM10, with potential consequences for air quality. Several studies have shown that episodes of Saharan dust transport can cause particulate matter levels to exceed the thresholds monitored by environmental agencies, particularly in southern and island regions.