Abstract
Harmattan With the approach of winter in the Sahara, the air cools rapidly, barometric pressure rises, and the north-easterly wind which is normal in northern subtropical latitudes is re-established along the coast of West Africa from French Guinea to the Cameroons. This dry, cool, north-easterly wind, known as the Harmattan, is a great relief after the moist heat of the summer monsoon, and from its healthful effects it is locally termed ‘the Doctor'. Originating in the desert, it carries a great amount of impalpable dust, which often forms a thick haze, sufficient to hide the sun and impede navigation on the rivers, and penetrates into houses through every crack. The Harmattan generally begins towards the end of November and continues until about the middle of March, interrupted occasionally by short periods of variable winds.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Calendar of Nature Topics. Nature 132, 829–830 (1933). https://doi.org/10.1038/132829a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/132829a0