Sahara sand covers Marseille and French Riviera

Residents in Marseille and the Alpes-Maritimes region of France woke up to a thick layer of orange and yellow sand covering vehicles, balconies, and outdoor furniture. The phenomenon was caused by the sirocco, a hot, dry wind from North Africa that transported fine Saharan dust across the Mediterranean.

Meteorologists explain that a depression off the coast of Morocco triggered powerful warm air currents from the Sahara, lifting vast quantities of sand. This dust was subsequently brought to ground level by light overnight rains and local thunderstorms.

While the visual impact has led to a surge in demand at car washes, health authorities have issued warnings regarding air quality. The dust has caused a temporary increase in PM10 particulate concentrations, leading officials to advise vulnerable individuals and asthmatics to avoid intense outdoor physical activity.