Dust storm warning issued for Marmara region
METEOROLOGISTS have issued a warning about the expected dust storm in the Marmara region, urging caution against possible negative impacts on daily life, such as reduced visibility, air quality deterioration and transportation disruptions.
According to the statement from the Istanbul Regional Forecast and Early Warning Center of the Meteorology 1st Regional Directorate, dust transportation is expected in the region today based on the latest assessments.
The statement emphasized the need to be cautious and take precautions against negative effects such as reduced visibility, decreased air quality and transportation disruptions.
The Ankara Governor’s Office also announced the expected dust to engulf the province on Wednesday and issued warnings about the possible disruptions, low visibility and air quality could cause.
Professor Murat Türkeş, a member of the board of directors of Boğaziçi University Climate Change and Policies Implementation and Research Center, reported that with the increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of global warming and drought, Türkiye is expected to be more affected by dust transport in the future.
Many cities in Türkiye experience reduced visibility and decreased air quality due to dust storms.
According to data from the National Air Quality Monitoring Network within the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Continuous Monitoring Center, there has been an increase in particulate matter levels affecting air quality due to dust transport in various parts of the country.
The World Health Organization’s limit value for particulate matter, set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter, has risen from “good” to “moderate” with values ranging from 50 to 100 micrograms in many cities.