Sandstorm

Sun blocked by sandstorm

What an absolutely strange weather we had yesterday! A sandstorm covered the sky, blocking out the sun and casting a yellow gloom over the country ... hot, dry winds from the south blowing desert sand. But there was also a thunderstorm at the same time! Thunder and lightening that broke out in heavy rain. It didn't last long but when rain mixes with sand ... we have a recipe for disaster! Everywhere was caked with mud ... even cars were speckled with mud drops. This is the first time ever I have experienced such a phenomenon. 

The sandstorm has persisted even today. People are not happy that their windows are muddied after cleaning them for the Jewish Passover next week. They pay foreign workers to clean it spick and span, but it looks like they'll need cleaning again.

Sand even on my roses

People were wearing masks ... now they're getting the hang of it and don't feel embarrassed. People with respiratory problems are badly affected by this sandstorm. It's very fine desert sand that slips through the spaces between windows and doors. You can feel a layer of sand on the lips after going out in this storm. 

The heat of the desert winds have shriveled many young leaves and plants. My roses were badly affected. I watered them in the evening and hope they'll not die.