Dust from north Africa reach Turkish skies

By Murat Paksoy

ISTANBUL

Dust blowing from North Africa has covered Turkey's sky until the weekend, a Turkish academic said Thursday.

Istanbul-based meteorology scientist Huseyin Toros told Anadolu Agency that Turkey, due to its geographical location, lied in the path of desert dust coming from North Africa and the Middle East -- particularly in spring season.

"The desert dust will maintain its effect until the weekend, according to the results of the Atmospheric Circulation Model," he said.

A General Circulation Model calculates the general circulation of atmospheric winds or ocean currents and is used in weather forecasting.

Toros added that dust-laden air may reduce visibility or weaken sunlight if dust clouds reach high altitude.

He warned that the clouds could cause sickness in children, seniors, and especially those suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma.