harmattan
/hɑːˈmat(ə)n
/noun
A very dry, dusty easterly or north-easterly wind on the West African coast, occurring from December to February.It is subject to constant dust-laden winds variously known as sirocco, khamsin, simoom and harmattan....
- The savanna lands (grassy plains) of the northern regions face harmattan (dust-laden) winds for four months each year.
- During the harmattan, a cool, dusty wind from the Sahara grays the skies.
Origin
Late 17th century: from Akan haramata.