Wintry shade of haze engulfs Israel
Low visibility and health risks are major concerns as North African dust and Mediterranean moisture settle over the country
Heavy haze laden with dust cloaked Israel Tuesday, blotting out the sky and threatening the health of the elderly and infirm.
High winds, moisture, and airborne particulates swept over the Mediterranean from North Africa, blanketing Israel from north to south with an impenetrable gray haze. According to Army Radio, the Environmental Protection Ministry cautioned the elderly, sufferers of heart conditions, pregnant women, and children to refrain from outdoor exertions.
In addition to health risks, Yedioth Ahronoth warned that the high winds could result in felled trees, decreased control of motor vehicles, and power outages.
Clouds enveloped Israel’s major cities, limiting visibility and causing transportation problems. The extreme weather prompted the cancellation of flights to and from Tel Aviv’s Dov Hoz Airport and Eilat’s regional airport, according to Kol Israel Radio.
The haze was formed by a deep atmospheric depression over southern Greece which caused a southwesterly flow of North African dust, and is forecast to dissipate on Wednesday.