An otherworldly yellow haze descended over Switzerland and southeastern France this weekend as Saharan dust painted skies in a surreal golden glow. Dubbed a 'meteorological marvel' by locals, the phenomenon triggered health alerts as air quality plummeted to dangerous levels.
The dust cloud – carrying approximately 180,000 tonnes of particles, twice the usual amount – reduced visibility and coated surfaces with fine orange powder. Switzerland's airCHeck app showed pollution hotspots stretching across the country, while French authorities urged residents to avoid outdoor exercise.
Scientists revealed the dust could accelerate glacier melt by darkening snow surfaces. 'When dust replaces reflective ice, it absorbs more heat – like wearing black clothes on a sunny day,' explained meteorologist Roman Brogli.
The Sahara releases 60-200 million tonnes of mineral dust annually, with fine particles traveling thousands of kilometers. While skies are expected to clear Sunday, this event highlights nature's ability to connect continents – and the growing climate challenges we face.
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The dust cloud – carrying approximately 180,000 tonnes of particles, twice the usual amount – reduced visibility and coated surfaces with fine orange powder. Switzerland's airCHeck app showed pollution hotspots stretching across the country, while French authorities urged residents to avoid outdoor exercise.
Scientists revealed the dust could accelerate glacier melt by darkening snow surfaces. 'When dust replaces reflective ice, it absorbs more heat – like wearing black clothes on a sunny day,' explained meteorologist Roman Brogli.
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