Severe sandstorm blankets Iraqi capital by Steph Ball
A severe sandstorm hit the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Thursday, forcing the closure of its international airport.
It has been described as the worst spring storm to hit the city in years, blanketing it under a thick layer of yellow dust. The city was brought to a standstill as homes and cars were left coated by the sand and residents deserted the streets. Dozens required hospital treatment after suffering from breathing problems.
Sandstorms are a regular occurrence in Iraq, more commonly brought about by the “Shamal wind” which is associated more with the summer months. Storm fronts develop when low pressure pulls cool air from Europe and warm dry air from North Africa. Parts of Turkey and Iran can experience storms while Jordan, Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia are hit with a dry wind dominated by Saharan air. The wind changes to a gusty northwesterly wind which increases in strength as it funnels between the Turkish and Iranian Mountains and the high Saudi Plateau. The wind then whisks up sand from the desert as it journeys southwards.
Winds in March and April can also become strong due to the ground beginning to warm. The sand storm seems to have eased now across Baghdad though a brisk north to northwesterly wind remains.
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