Orange skies return as Sahara sand dust blown across south west France

An episode of Sahara sand dust is set to return to France this week as the orange mist is forecast to be blown across the southwest of the country today (Tuesday, February 21).

The sand, which is blown up from the Sahara via wind currents, has been seen over Spain in the past few days and is set to arrive in the southwest, mainly in the Occitanie region.

Guillaume Jusseau, from specialist weather site Météo Contact, told La Dépeche yesterday: “An anomaly at altitude above the Maghreb (northern Africa) will push Sahara sand towards us from tomorrow.”

And although the phenomenon typically brings remarkable orange skies, it is also expected to bring rain that is moderately full of dust particles, which can mix with existing air pollution to cause contamination of the soil, and water sources.

Residents are advised to cover any outdoor water sources and to wait until the phenomenon has passed before washing outdoor furniture or vehicles parked outdoors.

The dust can also cause respiratory issues for anyone predisposed to them so people in affected areas are also advised to take extra care outdoors during the episode.

The phenomenon is relatively common, especially at this time of year (although last year it also happened in October). It has happened fairly regularly over the past two years, and even coloured ski slopes with an orange tint as it moved across the mountains.

In February 2021, scientists in Toulouse and Grenoble called for samples of snow with flecks of the sand, to help with their environmental studies.

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