When does Saharan dust reach Guatemala? INSIVUMEH says air masses carrying fine dust from the Sahara in North Africa enter the country each year between May and August, crossing the Atlantic to Central America. In 2026, CONRED announced an arrival on 29 June, followed by further announcements in July. Dust was also reported in September, with an arrival reported for 12 September and a later forecast that it would begin leaving from 21 September. Below are the published dates and estimated concentrations for the episodes described in notices from 2024 to 2026, and the recommended precautions.
Quick summary: INSIVUMEH’s stated season is May to August, with the greatest influence from mid-June to mid-August, according to Prensa Latina quoting the institute. The 2026 notices described arrivals on 29 June, 6 July, 15 July, 20 July and 12 September; some were forecasts. Bulletin estimates included 50 to 100 µg/m³. CONRED describes warmer conditions, less rain and poorer air quality. For today’s air quality by city, see Guatemala air quality.
The 2026 episodes
Dates and concentrations published by CONRED in its bulletins and press releases, and by INSIVUMEH. Expected arrivals, peaks and departures below are historical forecasts, rather than confirmation that every forecast occurred or that the air had completely cleared.
| Publication | Arrival reported or forecast | Highest concentrations forecast | Departure forecast at publication | Estimated concentration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONRED bulletin 190-2026 (29 June), based on INSIVUMEH bulletin PCPS-004-2026 | 29 June | That day and the following days | From Wednesday 1 July | 50 to 100 µg/m³ |
| INSIVUMEH (30 June) | From Friday 3 July | — | Could disperse over the weekend | 25 to 50 µg/m³; another mass forecast for 8 July, at 50 to 100 µg/m³ |
| CONRED bulletin 196-2026 (6 July), based on bulletin PCPS-010-2026 | 6 July | From Tuesday 7 July | From Thursday 9 July | — |
| CONRED bulletin 207-2026 (15 July) | 15 July | From Friday 17 July | From Thursday 23 July | — |
| CONRED press release 186-2026 (20 July), citing INSIVUMEH | 20 July | From that day | From 28 July | 50-100 µg/m³ |
| Prensa Latina (14 September), quoting INSIVUMEH | Saturday 12 September | — | Sunday 20 September | — |
| CONRED bulletin 295-2026 (17 September), INSIVUMEH estimates | Present on 17 September | — | From Monday 21 September | 50 to 100 µg/m³ |
The INSIVUMEH notice gives the second July forecast as «martes 8 de julio» [Tuesday 8 July]. Its weekday and date do not align; the table retains the stated date.
The September report fell outside the May-to-August season described in INSIVUMEH’s June notice. In Prensa Latina’s report of 14 September, INSIVUMEH clarified that Saharan dust affects Guatemala throughout the year, with its greatest influence from mid-June to mid-August. The September departure dates above were forecasts from different publication dates, rather than an observed final end date.
Previous years (2024–2025)
| CONRED publication | Arrival reported or forecast | Highest concentrations forecast | Departure forecast at publication | Estimated concentration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Press release 93-2025 (28 May 2025) | Gradual arrival observed | From Thursday 29 May | Tuesday 3 June | — |
| Bulletin 192-2025 (4 June 2025), INSIVUMEH bulletin PCPS-008-2025 | Thursday 5 June | Friday 6 June | From Saturday 7 June | Between 25 and 50; the bulletin writes «gramos por metro cúbico» [grams per cubic metre] |
| Bulletin 205-2025 (10 June 2025) | Wednesday 11 June | The same day | Thursday 12 June | — |
| Bulletin 219-2024 (4 July 2024), INSIVUMEH bulletin BECA-051-2024 | 3 July | — | 5 July; another mass forecast for Saturday 6 July | Up to 29 micrograms per cubic metre for the 6 July mass; Petén, Izabal and Alta Verapaz were potentially the most affected departments |
| Bulletin 250-2024 (23 July 2024), INSIVUMEH special bulletin 55-2024 | 23 July | 23 and 24 July | From Friday 26 July | Maximum estimates around 97 µg/m³ |
The 4 June 2025 bulletin uses grams rather than micrograms. That unusual unit is reproduced as written; it should not be treated as a corrected microgram value. Dashes indicate details not stated in the corresponding notice.
Effects on weather and health
- Weather: CONRED says Saharan dust «puede provocar un ambiente más caluroso, reducir la probabilidad de lluvias y afectar la calidad del aire» [can bring warmer conditions, reduce the likelihood of rain and affect air quality] in bulletin 190-2026.
- Health, according to INSIVUMEH’s 30 June 2026 notice: the forecast concentrations of 50 to 100 micrograms per cubic metre «no constituyen un riesgo significativo para la salud de la población en general» [do not represent a significant health risk for the general population]. People with respiratory illnesses, allergies or eye irritation could experience mild symptoms: a burning throat, nasal congestion, irritated eyes or allergic reactions. The institute compared the amount with dissolving a quarter of a teaspoon in an Olympic swimming pool.
- Groups needing particular care, according to CONRED: children, older adults, pregnant women and people with respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses.
CONRED recommendations (2026 notices)
- Stay informed through INSIVUMEH’s and CONRED’s official channels.
- Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when there is a noticeable amount of dust.
- Wear a mask if you experience respiratory discomfort or undertake outdoor activities. CONRED also recommends a mask for people in vulnerable groups.
- Keep doors and windows closed when necessary.
- Protect and cover water storage containers.
- Stay hydrated and avoid burning waste or activities that increase air pollution.
- Seek medical care if you have difficulty breathing or persistent respiratory discomfort, and report emergencies to 119.
INSIVUMEH also recommends frequent washing of the hands and face for sensitive people. CONRED advises washing the face and eyes with plenty of water if irritation occurs.
How to follow conditions today
- Bulletins: INSIVUMEH issues bulletins with the code PCPS, such as PCPS-004-2026 and PCPS-010-2026, according to CONRED, which summarizes them on its website.
- Air quality by city: see our air quality page.
- Heat and rain seasons: Guatemala weather · CONRED alert level.
Sources
- INSIVUMEH, Entre mayo y agosto Guatemala percibe el ingreso del polvo del Sahara.
- CONRED: Polvo del Sahara ingresa al país (29 June 2026), Polvo del Sahara ingresará nuevamente (6 July), Nueva masa del polvo del Sahara (15 July), Preparados para el ingreso del polvo del Sahara (20 July), Polvo del Sahara: siga estas recomendaciones (7 July) and Polvo del Sahara continúa sobre el país (17 September).
- Historical CONRED notices: Fenómeno del polvo del Sahara vuelve a Guatemala, Nuevo ingreso del polvo del Sahara al territorio nacional, Incremento de humedad y lluvias en el territorio nacional, Recomendaciones ante concentración del polvo del Sahara en el aire and Ingreso de nueva masa de polvo del Sahara en el país.
- Prensa Latina, Polvo del Sahara cubrirá nuevamente Guatemala con alta concentración (14 September 2026), reporting INSIVUMEH’s statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Saharan dust reach Guatemala?
According to INSIVUMEH, air masses carrying Saharan dust enter Guatemala each year between May and August. In September 2026, Prensa Latina quoted INSIVUMEH as saying the phenomenon affects Guatemala throughout the year, with its greatest influence from mid-June to mid-August. CONRED announced an arrival on 29 June 2026.
Was there Saharan dust in Guatemala in September 2026?
Yes. On 14 September, Prensa Latina reported that, according to INSIVUMEH, the dust mass had entered the previous Saturday, 12 September. CONRED bulletin 295-2026, dated 17 September, said estimated concentrations remained between 50 and 100 micrograms per cubic metre and forecast that the mass would begin leaving from Monday 21 September. That was a forecast, rather than confirmation of complete clearing.
Is Saharan dust dangerous?
In its 30 June 2026 notice, INSIVUMEH said the forecast concentrations of 50 to 100 micrograms per cubic metre did not represent a significant health risk for the general population. It said people with respiratory illnesses, allergies or eye irritation could experience mild symptoms such as a burning throat, nasal congestion, irritated eyes or allergic reactions. CONRED calls for particular care for children, older adults and people with respiratory illnesses.
What does CONRED recommend?
Its 2026 notices recommend avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure when dust is noticeable, wearing a mask if you have respiratory discomfort or undertake outdoor activities, keeping doors and windows closed when necessary, protecting water storage containers, staying hydrated, seeking medical care for difficulty breathing and reporting emergencies to 119.
Why can it feel hotter when Saharan dust is present?
CONRED explains that Saharan dust can bring warmer conditions, reduce the likelihood of rain and affect air quality by increasing airborne particles.
