top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Orange skies on way again as winds bring Saharan sand to France

The dust-filled clouds can result in a layer of sand settling over cars and houses, especially if it rains

A cloud containing Saharan sand is expected to reach France today, with the potential to turn the sky orange and cover cars and houses with a layer of dust. Photo for illustration only Pic: Lancho / Shutterstock

Skies over France are expected to acquire an orange hue today and tomorrow (October 17-18) as a cloud of sand from the Sahara Desert moves over Europe. 

“A moderate south or south-easterly wind [...] climbing up from the north of Africa towards the south of France from Sunday, is bringing sand from the Sahara Desert,” weather service Chaîne Météo states.

The phenomenon will be especially noticeable in Aquitaine and around the Pyrenees. 

You may also find a layer of orange dust on your car or house, especially if it rains, as is expected today in the west of the country.

This comes during a week in which temperatures are expected to be particularly high for this time of year, especially in the west and south west of the country.

Read more: France set for week of hot weather with 30C expected in south west

It is not uncommon for clouds containing Saharan sand to move up towards France; the skies turned orange several times during spring this year.

Related articles 

More Saharan sand to cover much of France today

French skies to turn orange again as Saharan sand returns

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France