France is set to experience its first large-scale Saharan dust event of the year starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026. This phenomenon will coincide with a significant warm spell, with temperatures expected to rise considerably, reaching levels more typical of late April or early May. A southerly airflow originating from Morocco and Algeria will transport not only warm air but also dust particles across the Iberian Peninsula and into western France. This influx of Saharan sand is predicted to give the sky a yellow-orange hue, particularly noticeable at sunrise and sunset, and will contribute to a degradation of air quality due to the addition of these particles to existing pollutants. Temperatures are forecast to be exceptionally high in the southwest, with potential peaks of 25-26°C, while the northern half of the country could see deviations of 8-12°C above normal, with temperatures reaching 20°C even in Paris. A change is expected by Thursday evening or Friday, with a rainy disturbance anticipated to move across western France, leading to a drop in temperatures.