Take out your mask this weekend April 5-7

This is a translation of the article-

A cloud of sand from the Sahara will cover the whole of France on the weekend of April 5 and 7, an orange spectacle visible to the naked eye, but which can lead to fine particle pollution. Explanations.
Metropolitan France again flown over by a cloud of sand from the Sahara. The phenomenon has already affected the southeast of the country Saturday, March 30, it occurs from Saturday, April 6 for three days and will concern all of France this time. The sky will turn more or less orange, to the delight of amateur photographers but also with consequences on the health of the most vulnerable.

How is this cloud formed?
The phenomenon comes straight from the Sahara. Weather models show a cluster detaching from North Africa, moving up towards France and continuing towards the rest of Europe over the next three or four days.

"At the origin of this phenomenon, it is sand that is on the ground that will be lifted by the wind and then fall. And by dint of being lifted and fallen, grains of sand split into smaller dust, explains Vincent Guidard researcher at Météo France. And it is this dust that then rises into the atmosphere up to an altitude of 1, 3, 5 or 7 km, and which is transported by the air mass at the moment rather towards Europe. But they are also sometimes directed towards the Atlantic from the Sahara," adds the meteorologist. Depending on the location, the sky will take on an orange or even sepia color or a little more milky. And the dust will settle on the windows and windshields.

What is the impact on air quality and health?
This sand also carries health risks, says Antoine Trouche, engineer at Airparif, the organization that monitors air quality in Île-de-France: "At least Saturday and Sunday, air quality will be degraded in Île-de-France because of the presence of these sand particles. Because in the sand mists that travel through the atmosphere, there are small particles that are less than ten micrometers in diameter, and these particles that are less than ten micrometers in diameter, they are able to cross the natural barriers that we have, especially at the level of the nose, and therefore come into the lungs."

"They, like all particles less than ten micrometers in diameter, have an impact on human health."

During episodes of sand clouds, it is recommended that vulnerable people, people suffering from respiratory diseases, pregnant women and young children be vigilant. That is to say, "be attentive to the appearance of all the symptoms that are related to air pollution, throat irritation, cough or breathing difficulties and potentially, especially when you have pre-existing pathologies, to call your doctor," says Antoine Trouche of Airparif.

During this type of phenomenon, especially in the case of respiratory or cardiac discomfort, it is recommended to "avoid intense efforts" and more generally to limit emissions from cars, industry, crafts and domestic vehicles, to favour non-polluting modes of transport and short outings, and finally to reduce intense physical and sporting activities.

I had never heard of this phenomenon until recently on this forum. I learn so much here. Stay safe everyone!

This happened to us on a trip to England a few years back. We were not aware and were distraught at how polluted London had become (orange sky). Later we learned what was happening.

Thanks for the info. We're here now and we weren't aware.