Saharan dust set to turn skies orange across western France
A plume of Saharan dust is expected to move across France this weekend, bringing hazy skies, warm temperatures and reduced air quality in some regions.
A plume of Saharan sand is expected to sweep across western parts of France from Friday, bringing hazy orange skies alongside a burst of summer-like temperatures.
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The dust cloud, travelling north through Morocco and Spain, is forecast to reach western France by the end of the week before spreading more widely across the country over the weekend, with concentrations expected to peak on Saturday.
Meteorologists say the phenomenon is being driven by warm south-westerly winds carrying heat and fine sand particles from the Sahara under a high-pressure system across western Europe.
The airborne dust is expected to create milky or orange-tinted skies, particularly at sunrise and sunset, while also leaving a thin layer of sand on cars, windows and outdoor surfaces.
Air quality may temporarily deteriorate in some areas, especially in western and southern regions, as levels of PM10 particles rise.
Health officials are advising people with asthma or respiratory conditions to remain cautious during periods of higher concentration.