The worst sandstorm ever in Iraq

Satelite image of Iraq, surrounding area including Kuwait and the Persian Gulf:

The worst sand storm ever seen by residents of Iraq blew through the second week in July. We saw the effects of the storm here in Kuwait the next week. It was pretty amazing how my knowledge of storms and seasons still applied here in this climate. Before the storm the weather was really calm and the temperatures dropped. After the storm, the winds were strong and the air actually had a slightly fresh quality to it. I was amazed by that since the air has been so polluted and dusty since I got here. Maybe the air will improve with the winter months...

The first 2 pictures I received from someone else. The last 3 pictures are pictures of the water in the Persian Gulf taken from my apartment window. You can see the wind really pushing the waves. That is a Kuwaiti Navy vessel parked outside my window 24/7. It's hanging down wind from it's anchor.

I was lucky in that I was working in the office and only had to go outside for brief periods. The temperatures are also only going into the 110' range. I don't think we have gone over 120' too many times. So again, I am very lucky!

from the news:

Hundreds of Iraqis have turned to hospitals in seek of medical help due to the ongoing sandstorm in the country. The storm has been continuing for over a week, and citizens are suffering from breathing problems and clogged eyes. Those who have asthma are especially vulnerable. The storm has caused multiple flight cancellations and delays as well as changes in the Middle East visiting program of Joe Biden, the US vice-president. In addition, supply of electricity has been disrupted in Baghdad, since all plants had to be closed for a clean-up. Many stores are also closed. As a member of the Iraqi health ministry says, it is “the worst sandstorm we have ever had in Iraq”. Among the reasons for such strong storms are the shortage of water in the rivers and prolonged droughts.