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Orange skies on way again as winds bring Saharan sand to France
The dust-filled clouds can result in a layer of sand settling over cars and houses, especially if it rains

Skies over France are expected to acquire an orange hue today and tomorrow (October 17-18) as a cloud of sand from the Sahara Desert moves over Europe.
“A moderate south or south-easterly wind [...] climbing up from the north of Africa towards the south of France from Sunday, is bringing sand from the Sahara Desert,” weather service Chaîne Météo states.
Propulsées par une dépression au large du Portugal, des remontées d'air chaud d'origine saharienne touchent la France jusqu'à jeudi. Le ciel prendra un aspect laiteux en raison des poussières et du sable en suspension dans l'air ces prochains jours. pic.twitter.com/1I0U2DiqJl
— La Chaîne Météo (@lachainemeteo) October 16, 2022
The phenomenon will be especially noticeable in Aquitaine and around the Pyrenees.
You may also find a layer of orange dust on your car or house, especially if it rains, as is expected today in the west of the country.
This comes during a week in which temperatures are expected to be particularly high for this time of year, especially in the west and south west of the country.
Read more: France set for week of hot weather with 30C expected in south west
It is not uncommon for clouds containing Saharan sand to move up towards France; the skies turned orange several times during spring this year.