A cloud of dust carried by strong winds from North Africa covered Israel on Thursday, turning the skies gray on the first day of the Passover festival and increasing air pollution.

Pollution levels were set to drop only by evening, the Environmental Protection Ministry said.

The ministry said it “recommends that sensitive populations, including heart patients, lung patients, the elderly, children and pregnant women avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors.

“The general population is advised to reduce strenuous physical activity outdoors,” it added.

The Israel Meteorological Service, meanwhile, said there was a chance of localized flooding in southern Israel, including the Judean Desert, Dead Sea, and northern Arava areas.

In February, a Hebrew University expert warned that dust storms are likely to become more common and start earlier in the year as a result of climate change.

Wednesday saw dramatic scenes in the Mediterranean island of Crete, with skies turning an eerie orange as winds of up to force 9 on the Beaufort........

© The Times of Israel