The dust of the Sahara have returned to “color” the Italian sky. This is a relatively event frequent, which has been occurring more and more often in recent months. Perhaps, experts hypothesize, also due to the increase in global temperatures and the consequent variations in the circulation of atmospheric currents. The maximum peak is expected today and, according to forecasts released by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (Cams), the phenomenon should be destined to conclude (at least as far as Italy is concerned) during tomorrow, Saturday June 22nd.
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The causes
The dust coming from the Sahara is transported beyond the Mediterranean by some hot air currents moving north. But, according to Pierluigi Randi, Ampro meteorologist (Association of Meteo Professionals) interviewed by Il Resto del Carlinothe extent of the phenomenon that is occurring in these hours is also attributable to Drought which is affecting part of the African continent: “These are not rare events from a meteorological point of view – comments Randi – the main difference we have had in recent days is the intensity of the phenomenon. This depends above all on the severe drought that characterizes the areas of North Africa: we therefore had a higher concentration of dust”. And, as we had already told you, it is precisely the fine dust that arrives from the Sahara desert that clouds the sky and “dyes” it yellow, weakening the intensity of the sun’s rays.
The health consequences
“Transport of Saharan dust across the Mediterranean to Europe is not unusual“, commented Mark Parrington, scientist at the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, on the occasion of a similar event which affected south-eastern Europe in mid-June: “The observations show a increase in intensity and frequency of these events in parts of Europe in recent years, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring of our atmosphere to understand how air quality might change in relation to these episodes”. When these phenomena occur, in fact, the concentration of fine dust in the atmosphere increases and the air quality consequently it gets worse. If the dust is mainly concentrated at high altitudes, the Cams experts explain, the chances that it could have repercussions on human health are limited. However, if the dust falls to lower altitudes it can contribute to the aggravation breathing problems such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.
