Global and diffuse shortwave irradiance during a strong desert dust episode at Granada (Spain)

► Effects of a strong Saharan dust event on diffuse and global solar irradiance. ► Decrease of the global irradiance about 20% with respect to clean days. ► Increase of the diffuse irradiance between 200% and 400%. ► High value of the aerosol radiative forcing efficiency (~ 124 W/m2/AOD). ► Possible influence of absorbing anthropogenic particles.