The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde) warned that mainland Portugal will see poor air quality on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3–4) due to dust blown from North Africa, raising concentrations of inhalable particles. RTP, Observador, Correio and Dinheiro Vivo report the DGS advising elderly people and children to take extra precautions and recommending reduced outdoor activity during peak pollution. The issue is short-lived but can aggravate respiratory conditions and affect outdoor plans. Those with breathing problems or who care for vulnerable people should follow DGS guidance and local air-quality updates.
Dust from Africa causes poor air quality this week
Monday, 2 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
4 sources
- Authorities warn of "poor air quality" from Tuesday in mainland PortugalRTP Notícias ·
- Mainland Portugal to experience poor air quality over the next two days due to dust from AfricaCorreio da Manhã ·
- DGS warns of poor air quality in the coming days due to dust from AfricaDinheiro Vivo ·
- Portugal with poor air quality over the next two daysObservador ·
