A dry, dusty northeasterly trade wind that blows out of the Sahara across West Africa during the winter dry season, carrying fine mineral dust that can reduce visibility for days, ground flights, and coat the region in a persistent reddish-brown haze. Known locally across Nigeria, Ghana and neighboring countries as "the doctor" for the relief its low humidity brings from the region's usual heat, the harmattan also marks the traditional dry farming season across much of the Sahel.
Facts
PeriodicityOccurs as a season in West Africa between the end of November and the middle of March. 1 ScaleA dry, dusty northeasterly trade wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea. 1 First DescribedThe name is related to the word haramata in the Twi language. 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceProduces a haze of airborne dust, known as the Harmattan haze, that can severely limit visibility and block the sun for days, comparable to a heavy fog. 1 Connections
Associated With
The Harmattan season in West Africa carries Saharan dust and is associated with a marked seasonal increase in dust storm and haze events across the region.
Sources
1. Harmattan, Wikipedia
Lead section
The Harmattan is a season in West Africa that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March.
Harmattan haze section
In some countries in West Africa, the heavy amount of dust in the air can severely limit visibility and block the sun for several days, comparable to a heavy fog. This effect is known as the Harmattan haze.
Lead section [scale] [2]
a dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea
Lead section [first-described]
The name is related to the word haramata in the Twi language.
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