WMO Airborne Dust Bulletin No. 10 - July 2026

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that record-breaking sand and dust storms in 2025—including in China and along the U.S.-Mexican border—caused health and environmental impacts and disrupted transport and economic activity. While some regions saw major extremes, the WMO says overall average dust concentrations were similar to 2024, according to its WMO Airborne Dust Bulletin No. 10, released in July 2026. The bulletin highlights that North Africa and the Middle East were heavily affected, and notes China experienced its worst dust intrusion in a decade. It also points to record-breaking dust activity at the U.S.-Mexico border and discusses research needs as artificial intelligence could improve forecasts and warnings. Every year, about 2,000 million tons of dust enter the atmosphere and can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that dust storms and droughts cross borders, making international cooperation essential. The report was discussed at the UN headquarters in New York on 10 July ahead of 12 July’s International Day.