sirocco (sərŏkˈō) [key] [Ital., from Arab. sharq = east], hot, dust-laden, dry, southerly wind originating in the N African desert (most commonly in the spring) and reaching Italy and nearby Mediterranean areas. The term more generally denotes any oppressive, warm, southerly or southeasterly wind in this region.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
More on sirocco from Fact Monster:
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Weather and Climate: Terms and Concepts