Sirocco

Sirocco is a warm to hot wind that originates in the Sahara and travels across the North African coast into the Mediterranean and southern Europe. It typically blows from the southeast or east and can carry dust from the desert. As it moves over the sea, the air may acquire additional moisture, making the wind humid in some cases.

Meteorology and characteristics: The sirocco forms when a high-pressure region over the Sahara pushes air toward the Mediterranean. The air is heated as it travels, often raising surface temperatures significantly. It can be dry if the air remains over land, or humid if it picks up moisture over the sea. Dust carried by the wind gives the sirocco its characteristic hazy appearance and can reduce visibility.

Geographic reach and effects: The wind is most common around the Mediterranean rim, affecting southern Europe including parts of Italy, Greece, Spain, southern France, and Malta. It can cause dust storms, haze, and higher temperatures, and may aggravate respiratory or eye irritation for sensitive individuals. Agricultural crops can suffer from heat and dust during a sirocco event.

Seasonality and duration: Sirocco winds are most frequent in warmer months, particularly spring and autumn, but they can occur at other times. Individual events typically last from one to several days.

Etymology and terminology: The term sirocco derives from the Italian word scirocco, with roots linked to North African and Arabic linguistic traditions. Variants exist in other languages, reflecting the wind’s broad Mediterranean presence.