Samum (wind)

Samum is the local name for a sandstorm in the North African-Arab region. The Arabic word means poison wind . This already indicates the danger that is attributed to this type of sandstorm. The Samum is partly dust-laden and a very hot desert wind. On the warm front of Atlantic low pressure areas , hot desert air ( Scirocco ) often blows from the Sahara north, i.e. towards the Mediterranean . If the current is strong enough, a hot dust storm can develop in this way.

Usually a samum blows from the west and occurs most frequently in spring to early summer .

See also: winches and wind systems