Orange skies and unbreathable air in Turkey: A wave of Saharan dust covered Antalya and other regions
A wave of Saharan dust arrived in southern Turkey on Friday, April 3, 2026, transforming the landscape into a spectacular but dangerous one. In Antalya, locals and tourists witnessed an unusual phenomenon: the sky turned orange, and a dense layer of dust significantly reduced visibility and air quality.
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Orange sky and unbreathable air in Turkey PHOTO: X/ @HavaForum
After recently affecting the island of Crete, the dust cloud from the Sahara desert also reached Turkey, where it caused concern among the population. Antalya, Adana and Hatay regions were covered in fine dust particles, which changed the color of the sky to a reddish hue and affected daily life.
The phenomenon had an impact especially on people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, causing breathing difficulties. In addition, the rains turned the dust into mud, leaving behind dirty surfaces that are difficult to clean, reports En.haberler.com.
PHOTO: X/ @HavaForum
Low visibility and pollution records
In Antalya, the effects were felt from the early hours of the morning. The sky turned grey-orange and visibility dropped drastically. The silhouette of the city could barely be distinguished, and the nearby Bey Mountains had completely disappeared from the landscape.
Meteorological data show that the level of dust concentration reached 217 micrograms per cubic meter, the highest value recorded so far in the area. In Hatay, values were also high, reaching 162 micrograms per cubic meter.
Meteorologists have issued a warning to the population, emphasizing: “We expect the transport of Saharan dust to continue intensively in some areas, so it is necessary for the population to take protective measures and precautions against negative effects such as reduced air quality, reduced visibility and transport disruptions”.
Muddy rain and traffic problems
In Alanya, the sky had an unusual color since morning, and the rains turned the dust into mud. Parked cars were covered in a dirty layer, and drivers had difficulties in traffic.
In Manavgat, the phenomenon was accompanied in places by rain and short episodes of hail. In the historic area of Side, pedestrian walkways filled with mud puddles, making it difficult for tourists and locals to move.
PHOTO: X/ @anadoluajansi
The situation was similar in Samandağ, in Hatay province, where Saharan dust, brought by a low pressure system from the central Mediterranean, drastically reduced visibility. At times, the roads and sea surface became difficult to distinguish and traffic was affected. The phenomenon also spread to İskenderun district, where the same problems were reported.
According to experts, the dust cloud would persist throughout the day, with the authorities recommending the population to avoid prolonged exposure and take protective measures.
