Nidal Majdalani – Travelling Lebanon

Known for its mild Mediterranean climate, especially in spring, Lebanon offers a refreshing escape, from coastal walks to mountain trails. Though less frequent, nature occasionally adds a dramatic twist, offering a rare opportunity for photographers to capture its wilder moods.

Khamsini sandstorms, named after the Arabic word khamsin (meaning “fifty”), refer to a seasonal weather phenomenon lasting around fifty days. These hot, dry winds originate from the Sahara Desert and typically occur between March and May across the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Levant. They carry fine sand and dust across borders, accompanied by gusty winds and sudden temperature spikes.

Though rare and usually very brief in Lebanon, these winds can sweep in and turn blue skies golden, as they did yesterday, blanketing Beirut in a veil of dust and soft ochre light. Yet as evening fell, the storm gave way to something unforgettable.

A Deep Orange Sunset through Saharan Dust

Yesterday’s sun descent wasn’t quiet, but blazing. Through the thick veil of Saharan dust, the sky transformed: deep orange light saturated the horizon, with delicate strokes of violet and magenta brushing the clouds. It was a rare scene of raw, unfiltered beauty. The storm gradually subsided today, giving way to a cooler breeze and a chance of rain.

This phenomenon isn’t just poetic, it’s physics. When sandstorms fill the air with fine particles, they scatter sunlight in a way that filters out blues and greens, intensifying reds and oranges, especially near sunset. The result? A sky ablaze, painting Lebanon’s capital with a palette usually reserved for dreams.

Even in haze, Beirut finds its way to shine.

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