Presence of Sahara Dust in Venezuela will last until Thursday

Published at: 24/02/2026 03:32 PM

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMEH) reported that a layer of dust from the Sahara desert will move over Venezuelan territory throughout the week.

The phenomenon, which arrived in the eastern part of the country on Sunday, will maintain moderate to strong concentrations until Thursday, February 26.
The dry air mass loaded with mineral particles moves from east to west, affecting mainly the northern coastal strip and the central and eastern regions.

This meteorological condition generates visible fog on the horizon, reduces horizontal visibility and directly limits the formation of clouds with strong vertical development, reducing the chances of precipitation in affected areas.

Technical data indicate that these dust clouds originate in North Africa and cross the Atlantic Ocean driven by trade winds. Although this is a recurring phenomenon, health authorities warn that the particles contain silica, bacteria and other components that can cause irritation to the mucous membranes, throat and eyes, in addition to aggravating the symptoms of rhinitis or asthma.

Faced with deteriorating air quality, risk management agencies recommend that the population use masks in open spaces, especially children and the elderly. They also suggest keeping doors and windows closed to limit the entry of sediment into homes and ensure constant hydration to protect the respiratory tract.

INAMEH continues to monitor the phenomenon by satellite and expects that the density of the layer will decrease progressively by the end of the week, allowing for a return to normal atmospheric conditions in the northern region of the country.

Mazo News Team