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Harmattan

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harmattan [‚här·mə′tan]
(meteorology)
A dry, dust-bearing wind from the northeast or east which blows in West Africa especially from late November until mid-March; it originates in the Sahara as a desert wind and extends southward to about 5°N in January and 18°N in July. Also spelled harmatan; harmetan; hermitan.
Harmattan 

a northeast winter trade wind that blows from the Sahara to the West African coast south of 20° N lat.; it occurs from November through March. The harmattan is extremely dry and often reaches hurricane force. It transports large amounts of dust and sand to the Atlantic Ocean.
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The warning light for Harmattan winds will be continuous vertical glare (white) on all oases of trans-Saharan N.
Actions and Reactions by Kipling, Rudyard View in context
From the direction of the wind whenever it has fallen, and from its having always fallen during those months when the harmattan is known to raise clouds of dust high into the atmosphere, we may feel sure that it all comes from Africa.
The Voyage of the Beagle by Darwin, Charles View in context
So that Monsoons, Pampas, Nor-Westers, Harmattans, Trades; any wind but the Levanter and Simoom, might blow Moby Dick into the devious zig-zag world-circle of the Pequod's circumnavigating wake.
Moby Dick I-LXVII by Melville, Herman View in context
 
 
 
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