Published on Friday, February 27, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

A massive cloud of Saharan dust known as the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, is expected to move over Costa Rica, according to the National Meteorological Institute.

The thick dust plume originated off the coast of West Africa and has traveled more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean. It is now moving through the Caribbean Sea and is forecast to bring sunny days to the country beginning Saturday.

 

Meteorologists said the arrival of the dust is contributing to drier weather, reduced air quality and higher-than-normal temperatures. Highs are expected to reach about 80°F in the Greater Metropolitan Area, which includes parts of the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia. Along the Pacific coast, temperatures could climb as high as 93°F.

“These fine particles can trap heat near the surface,” experts said, adding that temperatures are expected to rise above average, particularly in coastal and urban areas.

The Ministry of Public Health warned that inhaling the dust may irritate the respiratory system and aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions.

According to the meteorological institute, the dust is expected to begin dispersing during the first weekend of March.

The National Meteorological Institute is the government agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts, hazardous weather alerts and related services aimed at protecting the public and informing organizations.

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What effects, if any, has Saharan dust had in your country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com