A substantial dust storm swept through the Upper East region in the afternoon of March 10, 2025, creating significant visibility challenges for road users and causing a stir among residents in the capital, Bolgantanga.
A dust storm is a natural phenomenon characterized by a sweeping wind that blows a lot of dust into the atmosphere. They occur when strong, hot, dry winds blow dust and soil into the air. The wind moves the dust across the country, often for many kilometres.
Dust storms are caused by strong winds — often produced by thunderstorms. In dry regions, the winds can pull dust from the ground up into the air, creating a dust storm.
The one that swept through the Upper East Region lasted approximately 20 minutes, causing poor visibility for road users, especially motorcycle users who are the majority on the roads in the region.
A few residents took to social media to share their experiences and express their shock at the sudden event, which was followed by a slight drizzle.
For weeks, the region has been experiencing extreme temperatures, with weather updates sometimes recording as high as 43 degrees Celsius.
As the dust settled, the light rain that followed almost provided a brief respite from the scorching heat, but it was short lived.