Overview
- An extensive dust plume from North Africa is over Germany on Sunday, with reports of reddish-brown rain and especially murky skies in the north.
- Strong surface winds in the Sahara loft fine mineral particles to heights of roughly five kilometers, where large-scale airflows carry them into Central Europe within days.
- The material is chiefly quartz and aluminosilicates with iron oxides, which can tint skies and rain, according to the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD).
- DWD data indicate far more event days in southern Germany at about 60 per year, and officials describe current activity as within typical ranges.
- Forecast models can flag major transports three to four days in advance for health guidance and photovoltaic maintenance, while a climate-driven increase remains plausible but unproven.