In 2022, the capital had experienced several sandstorms, in the midst of severe heatwaves, putting organisms to the test. In April 2024, temperatures rose sharply to 27 degrees, with a major pollution spike due to Saharan sand dust. Last June, this sand returned, accompanied bythunderstorms and rain. This cloud of sand from the Sahara seems to be multiplying.
While thunderstorms are expected over much of the Ile-de-France region, sand is also invading France, little by little. A first cloud of Saharan sand was observed on Monday morning, depositing a fine layer of particles on many surfaces, including vehicles. In Occitanie, where the effects are already visible, the Atmo Occitanie association has issued a pollution alert for three départements, reporting that the information threshold for suspended particulate matter PM10 has been exceeded. This type of pollution has a direct impact on air quality and could cause respiratory discomfort, especially for vulnerable people.
Meteorological maps, such as those provided by the Skiron service of the University of Athens, confirm the presence and trajectory of this sand cloud, which will spread to three quarters of France by Wednesday. In particular, the departments of Pyrénées-Orientales andAude have already been affected, and high concentrations of fine PM10 particles persist. This natural phenomenon, although recurrent, is exacerbated by current climatic conditions, which favor its northward movement.
If you're planning to clean your car, it's best to wait until the cloud has passed, as it is likely to leave a shower of sand on surfaces over the coming days. The Saharan particles will gradually dissipate from Thursday onwards, but experts predict a new episode in about a week's time, with a possible return of this desert sand.
While this type of phenomenon may be impressive in its sheer scale, it remains a fascinating example of the climatic interactions between continents. Sandstorms in the Sahara, transporting such dust over thousands of kilometers, are a reminder of just how interconnected our environment is. However, they also pose health challenges, particularly for people sensitive to fine particles.
Until the sand cloud dissipates, we recommend limiting outdoor activities for those prone to respiratory problems. Current forecasts indicate a gradual improvement in the situation from Thursday onwards, but we must remain vigilant in the face of this new Saharan incursion.
Thunderstorms: Paris and Ile-de-France under yellow alert this Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Thunderstorm warning and risk of heavy rain and flooding this Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in several French departments. In today's bulletin, Météo France has placed 5 of France's départements under orange vigilance for rain, flooding and flooding, and 38 others under yellow, including Paris, Essonne, Yvelines, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne and Val-d'Oise. We take a look at the weather forecast for the next few hours. [Read more]
After a short respite and a few sunny days, bad weather returns to the Île-de-France region this October 16, 2024. As ex-hurricane Leslie, transformed into a low-pressure system, continues to make its way across France. Stormy precipitation is expected in the southeast. Is there cause for concern in Ile-de-France? [Read more]
Thunderstorms: Paris and Ile-de-France under yellow alert this Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Weather: showers back in Paris, should ex-hurricane Leslie be feared in the Ile-de-France region?
