There are two natural phenomena to look out for this summer: hurricanes and the thing that cancels them out, Saharan dust. And the latter is coming our way (again) sooner than expected.
Another Saharan Air Layer—a mass of very dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert—is headed toward the Gulf of Mexico and southern parts of the U.S., including Florida. NASA has been tracking its movement across the Atlantic, issuing warnings for more vulnerable areas, such as Puerto Rico. So far, the forecast shows dust plumes traveling over the Caribbean and unleashing its finest dust particles over South Florida beginning Sunday. Heavier dust should follow in the days ahead. SAL is right on time, too. Dust cloud activity typically peaks June through mid-August, which is when we see more frequent outbreaks and clouds that move even farther west.
While you might not immediately see the effects of SAL, you will feel it. Expect poor visibility and air quality in the next few days. The airborne particles might also irritate the eyes, nose and throat, leading to difficulty breathing. Folks with preexisting conditions, such as asthma, should be extra careful during these arid periods. Though SAL’s presence isn’t all bad news. It discourages the formation of tropical storms since hurricanes need moist air to develop. Plus, the dust acts as a natural fertilizer for plants and coral. The specks in the sky reflect the sun’s rays more than you’ll see on a normal clear day, making for even prettier sunsets this week. You know what means: Better get those iPhones ready.
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