Weather tracker: sandstorm turns Iraqi skies orange and empties the streets
Briefly

Iraq experienced its most severe sandstorm of 2025, causing visibility to drop significantly and halting flights due to health concerns. Thousands sought medical assistance for respiratory issues in areas like Basra. Meanwhile, ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam caused extensive damage across New Zealand's North Island, with high winds leading to power outages and travel disruptions. The article emphasizes the increasing impact of climate change in intensifying such weather events, affecting lives and infrastructure in both regions.
Iraq's severe sandstorm of 2025 caused significant disruptions, halting flights, reducing visibility, and leading to thousands seeking medical attention for respiratory issues.
Climate change is predicted to intensify dust storms in Iraq due to desertification in neighboring regions, increasing the frequency and severity of these weather events.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam brought record winds and extensive damage to New Zealand's North Island, affecting multiple areas and causing widespread travel delays.
Despite losing its tropical characteristics, ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam remained powerful by utilizing atmospheric temperature differences, resulting in heavy rainfall and strong winds across large areas.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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