Brittany and western France to see more Saharan sand deposits

Dust and sand particles from the Sahara will remain in the French atmosphere at the end of the week, reaching as far north as Brittany. 

The minute particles will turn skylines a hazy ochre colour – and lead to an impressive pink and orange sunset – as well as fall on buildings, roads, and cars across the west and centre of the country. 

They first reached France at the end of last week, blowing north over the Pyrénées before beginning to fall in the French atmosphere. It was the first Saharan sand event of the year in France, although it is an increasingly common occurrence, particularly in autumn and spring.

Initial forecasts expected much of the sand to be swept further east or west by today, however a slight change in conditions has seen the particles remain in the atmosphere longer than initially anticipated. 

In Brittany, the particles will be present from today, and remain up until Saturday (March 7). 

Rainfall forecast in the region at the end of the week should see the number of visible particles on cars and buildings increase (rain causes them to coagulate when falling), so drivers may want to hold off on washing their car until the episode is over. 

No general health risks

There are no general health warnings associated with the phenomena. 

The particles are so minute – larger grains continually collide in the harsh upper atmosphere, making them smaller and easier to carry and prolonging the reach of the dust – that they are largely seen as harmless. 

They can be ingested or breathed in without issue, although those with respiratory conditions should avoid strenuous outdoor activities during a peak episode. 

Those with a respiratory condition and pollen allergy may be more irritated than usual however, due to the high levels of pollen currently in the air across several French regions.