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France 24

Australian skies turned red due to cyclone and soil drought

France 24 · Less Recent
France 24
France 24
Less Recent

Almost surreal images are coming out from Australia showing bright red and orange skies. This is the result of a meteorological phenomenon caused by the passage of a powerful cyclone sweeping along the west coast. It is rare, but it’s known to happen during major sandstorms or dust storms.

Breakdown
  • Cyclone Norell swept across northern and western Australia for 10 days 23s
  • Iron oxide-rich soil and strong winds caused the sky to appear red 30s
  • The phenomenon is rare but has happened during major dust storms 44s
  • Similar orange skies have been seen in Athens, Spain, and France 49s
  • Soil drought linked to climate change could make this more common 55s
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