Saharan dust causes poor air quality in Europe

According to multiple reports from Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and various European meteorological agencies, an exceptional dust cloud from the Sahara is currently affecting parts of Europe. The latest plume has brought hazy conditions and deteriorated air quality to several countries, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula in Spain and southern Europe. The weather pattern responsible for this episode has also resulted in warmer temperatures in some areas. Air quality has been especially affected due to the concentration of coarser particles like sand and dust at lower altitudes, with Switzerland and southeastern France experiencing significant worsening of sunlight and visibility.