Sahara Dust and Wildfire Smoke May Reach Lithuania Amid Heatwave

Lithuania is bracing for a hot Friday, with temperatures expected to reach 30-33 degrees Celsius. Along with the sweltering heat, the country may experience dust from the Sahara Desert and smoke from large wildfires burning in Spain and France. Meteorologists from "Orai ir klimatas Lietuvoje" (Weather and Climate in Lithuania) explained that while the warm air mass from the southwest could bring these particles, it doesn't necessarily mean ground-level air quality will deteriorate significantly. Much of the particulate matter is expected to remain high in the atmosphere.

However, the presence of these particles in the air could alter the sky's appearance, making it look hazier. Residents might also observe more vivid pink and red hues during sunrise and sunset. Meteorologist Gytis Valaika noted that increased atmospheric turbidity, which reduces visibility, could signal poorer air quality. Another indicator would be the smell of burning or other unusual odors outdoors.

For those particularly concerned about air quality, monitoring data from the Environmental Protection Agency's measurement stations is recommended. The article points out a deficiency in such stations across Lithuania, noting the absence of any in Alytus, an industrial city, and in regions like Suvalkija and Minor Lithuania, which are annually affected by smoke from grass fires in the Kaliningrad region.

The highest concentration of aerosol particles is forecast for Friday evening, potentially lasting through Saturday night and into the morning. Fortunately, an improvement is expected by Sunday, as cooler and cleaner air from the west, originating from the Atlantic, is predicted to move in.