A severe sandstorm and strong winds are expected to hit eastern and southern Libya on Monday and Tuesday, according to various weather forecasts and warnings. The storm is predicted to cause reduced visibility, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h in some areas. The National Center for Meteorology has issued a warning, stating that a low-pressure system will bring strong southerly winds to regions including the Benghazi plain, the Gulf, and the Wahees.
The warning was first reported on social media on January 18, 2026, at 11:30 PM Libyan time, and quickly gained traction, with over 15,000 interactions and 315 comments. The claim was verified by Annir, who checked the forecasts issued by the Libyan Space Sciences and Applications Institute on January 18, 2025. The Institute warned of a sandstorm that would lead to reduced visibility, matching the data from the National Center for Meteorology.
According to AccuWeather, a global weather forecasting website, wind speeds on the Benghazi coast are expected to reach 80 km/h starting from Monday morning until Tuesday noon. The website described the winds as potentially destructive locally, with severe air quality warnings issued for those areas. The National Center for Meteorology warned that the strong winds would lead to dust and sandstorms, reducing visibility and potentially causing disruptions.
The affected regions include the Benghazi plain, the Gulf, and the Wahees, as well as other areas such as Jalu, Awbari, Al-Qatrun, and Murzuq. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates. The Libyan authorities have not issued any evacuation orders or emergency declarations, but citizens are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The sandstorm and strong winds are expected to cause significant disruptions to daily life, including transportation and communication. The National Center for Meteorology and other weather forecasting agencies are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. In the meantime, residents are advised to stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities.
This is not the first time Libya has experienced severe weather conditions. In recent years, the country has been hit by several sandstorms and strong winds, causing significant damage and disruption. The government and emergency services are working to mitigate the effects of the storm and provide assistance to those affected.
The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities are working to minimize the impact of the storm and provide support to those affected.
Key points
- A severe sandstorm and strong winds are expected to hit eastern and southern Libya on Monday and Tuesday.
- Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 80 km/h in some areas, causing reduced visibility and disruptions.
- The National Center for Meteorology has issued a warning, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.
