A Huge Saharan Dust Plume Is Headed Toward the United States

Dust from the Sahara Desert is set to drift over the southeastern United States this week, part of an annual weather phenomenon that doesn’t always make it as far as North America.

Saharan Air Layer Sends Thick Dust Plumes Across Atlantic Each Summer, Driven by Tropical Winds and Moist Ocean Air

The dust originates from the Saharan Air Layer, a massive plume carried across the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara—the world’s largest hot desert. This layer forms when strong tropical waves stir up large amounts of dust along the desert’s southern edge, typically beginning in early June. These plumes, which can reach up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) thick, are then propelled westward, lifted further by dense, moist ocean air as they travel.

Annual Saharan Dust Plumes Drift West—and Sometimes North—Dimming Skies but Helping to Curb Hurricanes

Each year, the Saharan dust takes a westward path and occasionally shifts northward, reaching as far as Europe. While it can worsen air quality, the dust also helps inhibit hurricane formation—a potentially positive effect as NOAA predicts an active hurricane season.

The dust has already blanketed parts of the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, serving as a preview of what’s expected to soon impact U.S. states like Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

The Saharan dust is expected to arrive in the U.S. by Wednesday, with its concentration peaking on Thursday—likely reducing visibility before lighter winds help it gradually disperse. On the upside, the dust may bring vivid sunrises and sunsets, along with slightly warmer temperatures, especially at night.

Health officials advise individuals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues to stay indoors or wear face masks if going outside.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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