African dust cloud leaves Malaga in haze

RESIDENTS of province-capital Malaga have expressed concern about a particularly hazy atmosphere hanging over the city, reports from February 22 confirm. 

The alarming weather phenomenon, described in the Spanish press as “a grey mass” was quickly debunked by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) as “airflow with atmospheric suspended dust from Africa” though experts do admit it is rare in winter. 

The haze can cause reduced visibility and muddy rainfall, which can make the outdoor drying of washed clothes a bigger chore than normal. 

Malaga airport has reported a reduced visibility of 4 kilometres caused by the dust-logged atmosphere. Other parts of Andalusia and the Iberian Peninsula are also affected. 

AEMET confirmed that the murky cloud was blown in on February 19 and could last until February 23.