Chapter 1: The Khamsin Phenomenon

As I come across the term "khamsin" in the Oxford English Dictionary, it feels like perfect timing. We are currently in the midst of this annual climatic event affecting Egypt and neighboring regions of North Africa. Each year, a grueling period of approximately 50 days unfolds, characterized by intense, suffocating winds that sweep in from the south or southeast.

The name "khamsin" derives from the Arabic word for fifty, aptly describing the duration of this phenomenon. For local inhabitants, these winds are not a cause for celebration but a trial to be endured. During this time, they brace themselves for the environmental challenges that come with the season, which can turn their surroundings into a swirling nightmare filled with sandy gusts and skies painted in shades of yellow, tan, and sometimes a fiery orange. Watch this video to learn more about the khamsin experience:

The psychological impact of such seasonal winds fascinates me as a writer. Much like the khamsin in Egypt, the Santa Ana winds in the U.S. can drive people to the brink of madness. A notable article from the LA Times, titled "The Devil Winds Made Me Do It: Santa Anas Are Enough to Make Anyone’s Hair Stand on End," highlights how even judges in Islamic courts historically considered the khamsin winds as a factor in sentencing.

The world of wind has a plethora of intriguing names, with potentially hundreds documented on Wikipedia. From Egypt’s khamsin to South Africa’s Cape Doctor, Japan’s karakaze, and India’s elephanta, the list continues with other regional names like the rashabar in Iraq and the maestro in the Adriatic. Interestingly, today I flipped open to the K’s in the dictionary.

In my current home of Portland, Oregon, we lack a dramatic annual wind event. While occasional gusts occur, they pale in comparison to the winds found elsewhere. Having lived in areas prone to tornadoes—which I found quite unsettling—and witnessing dust devils, I find myself intrigued by the thought of experiencing one of these named winds firsthand.

Chapter 2: A Glimpse into Life Beyond the Winds

Chroo had the good fortune to avoid the Khamsin winds during his visit to Saudi Arabia (where Chihuahuas are not allowed!). While there, he encountered Tozz and the exceptionally talented feline actor, Fahd. You can explore this whimsical literary-comedic journey, available anytime on Amazon.com. Thank you for your interest!

Jim Dee is an accomplished writer, developer, and multimedia creator based in Portland. You can discover more about him, his projects, and his books at JPD3.com. Thank you for reading! The cat image is courtesy of Midjourney AI.