> Which term describes hot dusty winds in North Africa?And the answer: Sirocco.Photo credit: antropocene.it.A Sirocco is a hot dusty wind that can reachhurricane speeds, blowing from North Africa across the Mediterranean, intosouthern Europe. While at first the air is very dry in the Sahara Desert, by thetime it crosses the Mediterranean and reaches Europe, it becomes oppressivelyhumid.Sirocco winds originate in hot, dry air over the Saharan desert. They pick updust as they blow northward over North Africa, which is then carried offshoreand over the southern Mediterranean Sea, greatly reducing visibility. In manycases, these strong, persistent winds will move dust northward toward theBalkans and cover far southern Italy and portions of Greece in a thick, dustyhaze. These winds are so strong, they can be seen from space!As it travels northward, a Sirocco can cause clouds, fog and rain over northernMediterranean areas. The sweltering weather during a Sirocco event can causesphysical side effects too, such as headaches and insomnia. These winds can affect everything from beach-going to passenger ships to localpopulation centers. It is one among several intense, global winds, such asFrance's Mistral and Canada's Chinook. To experience the winds first hand (so to speak), check out the video fromSicily below.