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Why the sky over Toulouse might change color in the coming days

undefined undefined 25 février 2026 undefined 09h00

The Editor

Georgios Tsichlis

Like swallows in spring, they return every year. In the coming days, particles of sand from the Sahara will cover all of France, and this region won’t be spared. As a result, the sky will turn orange, a phenomenon that is far from new in Toulouse.

After weeks of rain and cold, spring seems ready to peek out in the capital, with nearly 18°C expected in the streets of Toulouse this Wednesday, February 25. This warm spell isn't just a coincidence; it’s coming straight from the Sahara and brings along a natural phenomenon with some consequences: the arrival of sandy particles in the rose-colored city's sky.


Hooray for the southern winds

Since yesterday, a cloud that traveled all the way from the largest sand desert in the world is on its way to France. And here's the good news: it brings with it unusually warm temperatures for this time of year, which we definitely don't mind! However, despite the spring-like thermometer and the expected sunshine, the sky might remain quite overcast, and there's a simple reason for that — the presence of...the presence of sand particles.

While all of France is set to take on a slight orange hue, this isn't the first time such a phenomenon has hit the city. Unfortunately, it comes with a slight decline in air quality, so we recommend not leaving your windows open for too long to avoid some deposits sneaking into your living room.


A potential health risk?

Though this phenomenon isn’t new, having occurred several times over the past few years, it still raises some concerns. Indeed, these sand particles contain cesium 137, a radioactive element that is obviously harmful. However, according to L'IRSN (the Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety), the quantities are said to be

ne represent a real danger to health. However, it is still advised to not engage in intense outdoor sports and to wear a mask if you have respiratory issues.