Harmattan (Noun)
Meaning
A dusty wind from the Sahara that blows toward the western coast of Africa during the winter.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- The harmattan season typically begins in November and lasts until March, bringing dry air and dusty conditions to West Africa.
- Residents of the coastal cities often struggle with respiratory issues during the harmattan due to the increased amount of dust and sand particles in the air.
- During the harmattan, the usually lush vegetation in Ghana turns dry and brittle, making it vulnerable to wildfires.
- To prepare for the harmattan, locals often stock up on masks and air purifiers to mitigate its effects on their health.
- The harmattan has a significant impact on the economy of West African countries, particularly those that rely heavily on agriculture and tourism.