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.
Cross-Tradition 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.
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