As Belgians gear up for the weekend, they’re not just preparing for typical April weather. A unique natural spectacle is on the horizon: Sahara sandstorms, notorious for transforming skies into fiery orange canvas, poised to make a dramatic appearance over the country.
While this phenomenon promises breathtaking vistas for photography enthusiasts, it also has potential repercussions for temperature forecasts. A dip from the initially predicted 24°C for Saturday is expected.
Reports from the online weather forecasting service, Noodweer Benelux, have sounded the alarm, announcing a significant surge of Sahara sand in the upper layers of the atmosphere, set to envelop Belgium on Saturday and Sunday.
This event marks the first such occurrence in nearly two years, with the last episodes recorded in March and May of 2022.
The peculiar nature of these sandstorms, which originate in the vast Sahara Desert, can lead to unexpected weather patterns. When Saharan dust particles mingle with European air masses, they not only lend a distinct orange hue to the sky but can also obstruct the sun’s rays.
As a result, temperatures may drop slightly, potentially undermining earlier forecasts of temperatures exceeding 20°C across the country.
The exact impact of the sandstorm on temperatures remains contingent on the thickness of the sand layer. In previous instances, such as the March 2022 event, Belgium experienced a notable 5°C decrease in temperatures compared to projections.
This uncertainty prompts caution from meteorological experts, with Noodweer Benelux advising that the actual temperature on Saturday may defy initial expectations.
The mechanism behind the Saharan sand’s journey to Belgium unfolds as a heat front traverses the country from south to north on Friday night.
By Saturday afternoon, a potent southerly updraft emerges between an Atlantic low-pressure system and an Italian high-pressure zone, sweeping up Sahara sand particles and propelling them northward.
According to the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI), strong southward winds on Saturday could further propel the sand northward, culminating in the first peak of the sandstorm by Saturday evening.
Throughout the day, hazy skies and a partial lack of blue sky may characterize the atmospheric conditions, contributing to the anticipated temperature moderation.
Unlike typical weather patterns, where a cold front swiftly displaces sandstorms, this event is poised to linger over Belgium into Sunday.
As a result, the dust load over eastern Belgium, the Netherlands, and substantial portions of Germany could surpass 3000 mgr/m², posing potential health risks due to compromised air quality.
With concerns over respiratory and cardiovascular health, authorities urge the public to exercise caution and consider minimizing outdoor activities, especially in regions experiencing elevated dust concentrations.
Only after the weekend will the arrival of Atlantic depressions facilitate the eastward movement of the Sahara sand, accompanied by increased precipitation, stronger winds, and cooler temperatures.
As Belgians await the arrival of this extraordinary natural phenomenon, anticipation mingles with caution.
While the prospect of witnessing skies ablaze with an otherworldly hue excites many, the implications for health and weather underscore the intricate interplay between global weather systems and local conditions.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
