The khamaseen (also known as khamsin, chamsin, or hamsin) is a dry, hot, and sandy local wind that primarily affects Egypt and the Levant region. It is characterized by its dusty nature and high temperatures.
Similar winds occur across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean basin under various local names. These include the haboob in Sudan, ghibli in Tunis, harmattan in the western Maghreb, africo in Italy, sirocco in the Middle East, and simoom.