A massive cloud of Sahara dust is settling over Germany this weekend, creating a striking, though temporary, weather phenomenon. The dust cloud contains at least 230,000 cubic meters of sand from Africa, equivalent to roughly 368 million kilograms – a dust cloud the size of a ten-story building.
Dr. Karsten Brandt, a weather expert, calculated the amount, stating to BILD, “We based this on 1 gram of dust per cubic meter of air, resulting in this enormous sum.” He added that Here’s a snapshot in time, as weather is dynamic and can change quickly.
How the Sahara Dust is Moving
The Sahara dust first arrived in western Germany, and is expected to cover the rest of the country on Saturday, and Sunday.
The Sahara dust is moving from west to east across Germany.
Christian Herold, a meteorologist with the German Weather Service, noted the dust is reaching altitudes of up to five kilometers. He stated that this is a strong occurrence, happening only two to three times per year.
The Sahara dust over Munich.
Meteorologist Dominik Jung explained that these dust transports are relatively common in the spring, as warm air from North Africa frequently reaches Europe. The dust is carried to high altitudes by strong winds around Mediterranean low-pressure systems before moving north.
The Weekend Weather
The pleasant weekend weather with temperatures up to 21 degrees Celsius will not be significantly impacted by the Sahara dust. It will remain present on Saturday and Sunday. “The sky will often appear milky-white instead of a brilliant blue,” Herold stated.
| Location | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| Dresden | 06:37 Uhr | 17:55 Uhr |
| Berlin | 06:39 Uhr | 17:55 Uhr |
| München | 06:43 Uhr | 18:06 Uhr |
| Hamburg | 06:54 Uhr | 18:07 Uhr |
| Frankfurt am Main | 06:56 Uhr | 18:16 Uhr |
| Köln | 07:04 Uhr | 18:22 Uhr |
Pollen levels in the air will also be a factor this weekend, adding to the effects of the Sahara dust.
How Long Will the Dust Remain?
The Sahara dust is expected to clear by Wednesday of next week, washed out by light rain, according to Karsten Brandt. He cautioned that laundry should not be hung out to dry then, and spring cleaning of cars or patios should be postponed to avoid having to repeat the function.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Sahara dust arrive in Germany?
The Sahara dust reached the Alpine region on Wednesday and is now covering all of Germany.
How high in the atmosphere is the dust?
The dust is reaching altitudes of up to five kilometers.
What impact will the dust have on the weather?
The dust is expected to cause the sky to appear milky-white instead of a brilliant blue, but may also create more colorful sunrises and sunsets.
As this unusual weather event unfolds, how might the presence of Sahara dust affect your outdoor plans this weekend?
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