Low Chances For Rain, But Lingering Dust
The air outside is misty, and you can visibly detect particles in the air. This is due to dust arriving from Northern Africa over the Atlantic. This natural phenomenon occurs rather frequently in Madeira, but it has now been reported that the dust is here to stay, likely for the upcoming week. Chances for rain within this period are low. Victor Prior, director of the Madeira Delegation of the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) reports to JM-Madeira:
“This situation of dust in the atmosphere will continue in the coming days. The forecast points to a duration of around eight days. There will be a slight improvement tomorrow, but it will be for a short time. Then the dust will return.”
“For the next 8 to 10 days, apart from today and Wednesday, no amount of precipitation that could be called abundant is expected.”
Saharan ‘Clay Rain’ Explained
Known as "clay rain", this natural phenomenon entails the transportation of sand particles from the Sahara desert across significant distances. The dust can descend to lower altitudes and ground levels, influencing air quality due to elevated levels of inhalable particles. Depending on the weather conditions, the dust can remain in an area for a week or more. If you are sensitive to clay rain, consider not spending too much time outside during this upcoming week.
Saharan dust can experience transcontinental transport to Japan via the easterly trajectory where about 50% of the dust particles come from Saharan dust
Source: JM-Madeira, The Portugal News, Wikipedia
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