Weather: the Saharan sand is about to cover France after a record storm in Morocco

The phenomenon originates from a veritable "sand wall" 100 meters high and over 1,400 kilometers wide that swept across the Sahara. While these upwellings are frequent in the spring, a storm of this magnitude is only observed once or twice per decade. Before reaching France, these dusts have already transformed the landscape in southern Europe, particularly in Crete, where the sky has turned a vivid orange, disrupting several air links in the process.

On Bladi.net: Yellow sky and Saharan air: why is the sand from Morocco invading France this Tuesday?

The meteorological mechanism behind this upwelling is that of a "cold drop" (a dynamic depression) positioned off the coast of Portugal. As Météo Paris explains, the winds swirl around this depression, creating a powerful southerly current originating in Morocco. This flow acts as a veritable conveyor belt, transporting the sand particles across the Iberian Peninsula to the Bay of Biscay and the entire French territory.

On Bladi.net: A Moroccan sand cloud assaulting France

After skirting the Atlantic coast at the beginning of the week, the dusts will spread across the country with a peak in concentration expected this Saturday and Sunday. The sky will then take on a milky or yellowish appearance, accompanied by an early thermal softness. This sandy interlude should come to an end on Sunday evening thanks to the arrival of a northerly wind and the return of rain, which may, however, leave traces of mud on bodywork and windows.