NASA · Space

Dust Storm Observed Over Mali

A dust storm was observed covering parts of Mali and neighboring countries in early September 2026, captured by NASA's Terra satellite.

The storm was likely associated with haboobs, which are dust storms driven by strong winds. Aerosols from this event were seen moving westward over the Atlantic Ocean, though a full transatlantic crossing was unlikely.

Transatlantic dust transport is more common from late spring through summer via the Saharan Air Layer. The developing El Niño could influence future dust patterns by altering atmospheric conditions over the Sahel and Mali.

El Niño's effects are complex: drier conditions can increase available sediment, but reduced convective activity might lead to fewer intense dust storms.

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