As spring settles over the Maltese Islands, a familiar seasonal phenomenon is set to make its return...the Saharan dust. Warmer weather patterns often bring atmospheric changes, and this week, conditions are aligning for dust-laden to travel northward from North Africa.

Beginning Sunday, 12th April, Malta is expected to experience the influence of a Scirocco, a southeasterly wind known for carrying dry air across the Mediterranean. This shift is driven by a developing low-pressure system to the northwest of the islands, while high pressure remains dominant over North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. The resulting pressure gradient creates a natural wind pulling air, and fine desert dust, towards Malta.

From Sunday onward, hazy skies are likely, with a noticeable increase in airborne Saharan particles. These conditions may reduce visibility and affect air quality, particularly for individuals sensitive to dust.

There is also a chance that this dust will settle on surfaces due to light rain showers. The period between Tuesday, 14th April, and Thursday, 16th April, carries the highest likelihood of such ‘mud rain,’ where raindrops mix with dust particles before reaching the ground.

It’s official...don’t wash your windows or cars just yet!