Residents of Germany and Italy are dealing with unusual atmospheric phenomena caused by air masses from the south. While Saharan dust in Germany reduces visibility and turns the sky a milky color, central and southern Italy are preparing for heavy, passing rain showers. In Switzerland, measuring equipment recorded the presence of as much as 40,000 tons of mineral dust, significantly impacting air quality in the Alpine region.
Dust over Germany
The phenomenon causes a milky discoloration of the sky and limited visibility, particularly in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Rain in Italy
The Centro-Sud regions are expecting passing downpours, which will last at least until tomorrow.
Record dust mass
In Switzerland, approximately 40,000 tons of Saharan dust were measured suspended in the atmosphere.
Air masses carrying Saharan dust have moved over Central and Southern Europe, significantly modifying weather conditions. In Germany, the phenomenon manifests primarily through specific optical effects. The sky takes on a dull, gray hue, and the sun appears milky and dimmed. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts that this condition will persist, which in the media is referred to as a „greeting from Africa”. Particularly strong effects are observed in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Baden-Württemberg, where the dust may influence unusual light colors during local events.
In Switzerland, the scale of the phenomenon proved exceptionally large – local measuring stations recorded the presence of about 40,000 tons of dust in the atmosphere. This directly translates to a deterioration in air quality and a limitation of so-called long-distance visibility. Although the dust does not create violent storm fronts, its presence is noticeable for people with respiratory problems and affects the cleanliness of external surfaces, such as car bodies or windows. In Berlin, the evening sky may gain a specific glow thanks to the scattering of light on sand particles.
40 000 ton — amount of dust measured in Switzerland
The situation in Italy presents differently, although it stems from the same southern transport of air masses. According to the ANSA agency, in the central and southern part of the country, referred to as Centro-Sud, passing downpours are expected. These showers may last until tomorrow, bringing relief to areas affected by dry dusting, but simultaneously causing local traffic disruptions. These phenomena are part of the natural cycle of spring atmospheric circulation, which regularly brings African air over the European continent.
Effects of the phenomena in regions: Germany: clear sky → milky light, poor visibility; Italy: no precipitation → likely downpours (acquazzoni); Switzerland: standard dust levels → 40 thousand tons of dust in the air
Inflows of dust from the Sahara are a constant element of the European climate, but their intensity depends on the strength of air currents over North Africa. The current episode is being monitored by meteorological services in many countries due to its impact on air transport and public health. In Baden-Württemberg, meteorologists note that the dust will make Sunday „am Wahltag bunt wird”, which refers to a specific refraction of sunlight. Meanwhile, in Berlin, residents can hope for spectacular sunsets, provided the cloud layer does not completely obscure the horizon.