A cloud of sand from the Sahara flies over France – Liberation

Horizon ocher and cars covered with dust film. A cloud of sand from the Sahara Froel France for several days, depositing its grains on a large part of the country. The phenomenon comes from a « Important rise in hot and dry air, loaded with desert dust » Since the Maghreb,, explain The weather channel.

The cloud began to arrive above France on Thursday, with first deposits identified on the Pyrenees. He then extended to most of the country on Friday and Saturday.

This Sunday, it is especially the south of France which is affected, from Occitania to Corsica, passing through Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Paca. In the evening, the winds should gradually lead the sands to the south-east of Europe.

This meteorological phenomenon is « Relatively classic in the Mediterranean regions » At this time of year,, explain Météo France. « Further north, the phenomenon is also possible but more difficult to observe because the air masses tend to first deposit dust further south ». In April 2024, two episodes had been identified in France one week apart. In March 2022, The sky had even turned to orange in a large part of Western Europe.

These dust can also have an effect on health. They « Added to other polluting particles and help degrade air quality », specifies Météo France.

For example, Airparif, the control organization in the Paris region, reported an air quality « bad » has « Degraded » In recent days. However, it improves this Sunday, going back to a level « AVERAGE ».