This Wednesday, Albania woke up under a veil of dust originating from North Africa. Strong winds from the Sahara desert, blowing towards the north, are expected to cover the southern part of Europe with large amounts of dust. Regions likely to be heavily affected include Malta, Greece, and Southern Italy.
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| Photo taken from a hill near Dajti Mountain showing Tirana covered in dust from North Africa |
Regarding Albania specifically, according to meteorological stations in the region, the entire country is blanketed by dust, but the thickness will be greater in the Lezhë area due to the geographical relief of the zone.
The phenomenon of dust storms originating from the Sahara, commonly known as "Saharan dust events," is not uncommon in Southern Europe. These events occur when strong winds in the Sahara Desert lift dust particles into the atmosphere, carrying them across vast distances. When these winds converge with weather systems over Europe, they deposit the dust, often leading to hazy skies and reduced air quality.
While the dust may create picturesque sunsets and sunrises, it poses risks to public health, particularly for those with respiratory issues. People are advised to limit outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers if available.
Authorities in affected regions are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public as necessary. Additionally, efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the dust on various sectors, including agriculture and transportation.
As climate change continues to alter weather patterns globally, occurrences like Saharan dust events may become more frequent or intense. This underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate-related challenges and implementing measures to adapt to these changes.
In the meantime, residents of Albania and other affected areas are urged to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and support one another during this period of dust-laden skies.