How the harmattan works.
In West Africa, the Harmattan season lasts from the end of November until the middle of March. The same-named northeasterly trade wind, which originates in the Sahara and sweeps over West Africa and into the Gulf of Guinea, serves as its defining feature. The name is associated with the Twi word haramata. Generally speaking, it is cold outside, but depending on the location, it can also be scorching. The dry season, which lasts through the months with the lowest sun, is when the Harmattan blows. In this season, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) of low pressure remains over the Gulf of Guinea and the subtropical ridge of high pressure remains over the central Sahara. As it crossed across the Sahara, the Harmattan picks up fine dust and sand particles (between 0.5 and 10 microns). It is also known as the "doctor wind", because of its invigorating dryness compared with humid tropical air.
This season is distinct from winter in that it is marked by cold, dry, dusty wind, as well as significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. All day long, temperatures can easily drop to 9 °C (48 °F), although they can also occasionally rise to 30 °C (86 °F) in the afternoon as the relative humidity falls to 5%. In some places, like the Sahara, it can also be very warm. When the Harmattan blows over the area, the air is especially dry and desiccating. The Harmattan produces weather that resembles the desert: it reduces humidity, dissipates cloud cover, hinders the production of rainfall, and occasionally produces large clouds of dust that can cause dust storms or sandstorms. [Reference needed] The wind can severely harm crops and raise the chance of a fire. Tornadoes can develop when the Harmattan and monsoon winds mix.
Haze in Harmattan
Similar to a dense fog, huge amounts of dust in the air in some West African nations can drastically reduce visibility and cover the sun for many days. The Harmattan haze is the name of this phenomenon. Each year, flights that are canceled or diverted cost airlines millions of dollars. The sky are clear when the haze is light. The air's excessive dryness may cause tree branches to perish.
Health
When the humidity falls to as low as 15%, some persons may get spontaneous nosebleeds.
Humans may also experience diseases affecting their eyes, skin (dryness), lips, and respiratory system, including a worsening of asthma.
Similar to a dense fog, huge amounts of dust in the air in some West African nations can drastically reduce visibility and cover the sun for many days. The Harmattan haze is the name of this phenomenon. Each year, flights that are canceled or diverted cost airlines millions of dollars. The sky are clear when the haze is light. The air's excessive dryness may cause tree branches to perish.
Health
When the humidity falls to as low as 15%, some persons may get spontaneous nosebleeds.
Humans may also experience diseases affecting their eyes, skin (dryness), lips, and respiratory system, including a worsening of asthma.
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