Praise for Rain

We often think of rain's benefit of nourishing plants and all sorts of vegetation, but we often overlook the benefit of washing.  I know we did--until we moved to Cairo.

Cairo receives between 1/2 and 3/4 an inch of rain PER YEAR.  Due to the rich soil near the Nile River, and with constant or strategic irrigation, vegetation can be  green or in bloom.  However, the dramatic effects on air quality are not helped by this.

Last year, during one dust storm, Keli took an unfiltered picture hat showed the orange air surrounding the garden.  May 13 was a similar day (though, not quite as bad); an early breeze became a strong wind, kicking up dust that had built up on buildings, bridges, trees, etc.  The result was the yellow-orange air and such poor air quality that you could taste the dust in your mouth as you ran to the car.

Fortunately, this is not a regular occurrence, but it is pretty awful when it happens here.

So, the next time rain interrupts your outdoor plans--be thankful it's preserving your air quality for the next gorgeous day that you will enjoy.

Updated on May 14, I've added a pic of the same view below so you can get a better comparison of the sky.

no filter, pic on May 13 about 1:00 pm

same perspective, same camera, no filter
on May 14 also about 1:00 pm