Knowing about and coping with the Harmattan

Mostly from November to March in the winter, the Sahara Desert produces the dry, dusty trade wind known as the Harmattan, which blows over West Africa. Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, and other nations in the region may be among those it affects. Various consequences for daily life, the environment, and health are possible with the Harmattan. The following is a list of factors, warning signals, and preventative measures:

CAUSES:

1. Dry Season: The Harmattan happens in West Africa’s dry season, which is brought on by northeast trade winds that push dry air southward from the Sahara Desert.
2. Low Humidity: During the Harmattan season, there is a dramatic reduction in humidity, frequently to around 15%, which causes dry conditions.
3. Sand, dust, and particulate matter from the Sahara are carried by the wind, which lowers visibility and degrades the quality of the air.

SIGNS AND EFFECTS

1. Dryness: The incredibly dry air brought by the Harmattan can cause respiratory tract discomfort, chapped lips, and dry skin.
2. Dust Haze: The haze produced by the dust and sand particles transported by the wind causes a decrease in visibility.
3. Issues with the respiratory system: The dusty air might exacerbate the symptoms of people who have respiratory disorders like asthma.
4. Allergies: For some people, the wind-borne dust and pollen can aggravate their allergies.
5. Impact on Agriculture: The dry, dusty weather can damage cattle and crops, resulting in lower agricultural output.

DOS AND DONTS

DOS

1. Remain Hydrated: It’s crucial to stay hydrated, even with the dry air, by drinking lots of water.
2. Moisturise: The fierce Harmattan wind can cause skin to become dry and cracked. In order to keep your skin hydrated, use moisturisers.
3. Protective Clothes: To shield your skin from the dry wind and dust, put on long sleeves and trousers. To protect your head and hair, you might also think about donning a scarf or cap.
4. Apply Lip Balm: To keep your lips from drying out and cracking, use a quality lip balm to keep them moisturised.
5. Keep Your House Dust-Free: During the Harmattan season, dust builds in your home. To avoid this, clean your house on a regular basis. Dust should not spread as much when you use damp cloths.
6. Remain Informed: Throughout the Harmattan season, stay informed on weather predictions and health alerts.
7. Protect Your Eyes: Put on sunglasses to keep wind-borne dust particles out of your eyes.
8. Keep Warm: During Harmattan, evening temperatures can drop sharply despite the day’s dry heat. Make sure you have blankets and warm clothes ready.

DONT’S

1. Minimise Outside Activities: To prevent breathing in dust and aggravating your respiratory system, try to minimise outside activities, particularly during times of high dust.
2. Remember to Wear Sunscreen: Harmattan may be dry and dusty, but that doesn’t shield you from the sun’s UV rays. When venturing outside, slather exposed skin with sunscreen.
3. Avoid Leaving Skin Uncovered: Try to cover as much of your skin as you can to shield it from the dust and dry wind. Skin that is exposed may get dry and inflamed.
4. Steer clear of open fires: Fires are more likely to spread during Harmattan due to the dry weather. Steer clear of open fires or use extreme caution when near one.
5. Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Get medical help right away if you have respiratory problems or any other health conditions that are made worse by the Harmattan season.
6. Avoid Moisturising with Petroleum Jelly: Although it can seem like a smart idea, using petroleum jelly as a moisturiser might make dry skin worse during Harmattan. Instead, choose moisturisers that contain water.
7. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses: To avoid being irritated by dust particles during Harmattan, try to wear glasses instead of contacts.

It is important to note that the harmattan, like any other weather condition, presents its own challenges and some advantages, like cooler temperatures and reduced mosquito activity.

The season cannot be avoided totally, particularly for West Africans, but it can be managed to maintain one’s health and overall wellbeing.