Massive cloud of Saharan dust is set to engulf parts of the US
Scientists have revealed that a large amount of dust from the Saharan desert is set to drift 5,000 miles over the Atlantic toward the US this week. The enormous plume was formed by strong winds sweeping tiny sand and mineral particles off the surface of the Sahara - and the current wave is the largest of the season.
Scientists are predicting the Sahara dust will reach the coast of South Florida and Gulf of Mexico , extending up toward southern Texas by this weekend. Floridians with asthma and other upper respiratory issues should be wary of going outside or engaging in physical activities because the dust storm can trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, experts have warned.
The immense clouds are forecasted to cross the entire ocean before hitting Florida and the Gulf of Mexico between Thursday and Sunday, along with parts of Texas. The National Hurricane Center reported active tropical waves are coming off the African coast, but the dust particles absorb sunlight and act as an air stabilizer to reduce tropical waves so cyclones can’t develop.
‘As of right now, this is all good news. We love to see it in terms of the tropics, especially what's likely going to be a busy season,’ meteorologist Jessica Dobson told Fox35 . This year is projected to be one of the most active on record, with 24 named storms predicted to take place, 11 of which are expected to escalate into hurricanes.
The Sahara dust, also called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), forms over the Saharan desert every spring, extending one to three miles above the surface and reaching thousands of miles in length.
Outbreaks usually occur every three to five days until they peak in mid-June through mid-August, often bringing colorful and hazy sunsets to the Florida coast that are characterized by their yellow and red hues. As the dust travels toward the US, a dry pocket of air forms thousands of feet above sea level, it will bring drier air and hotter conditions, suppressing tropical developments like hurricanes by removing the moisture they need to form.
They also form strong winds in the upper areas of the SAL, which can reach up to 60 miles an hour and rip cloud tops off any tropical hurricanes.
Florida's ecosystem will also benefit from the SAL, which works as a natural fertilizer because it is rich in iron and helps the ocean’s phytoplankton and other marine life. The phytoplankton feeds off the dust’s iron and nutrients, helping them to grow and reproduce, which in turn feeds zooplankton - a food source for small fish - that feed bigger fish.
However, the dust particles from the SAL will also bring higher levels of allergies and impact people with asthma and upper respiratory issues. Doctors have advised that people protect themselves by keeping their windows and doors closed, wearing a mask when they go outside and keeping their prescribed inhaler or other medication on them at all times.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest pain or shortness of breath, you should seek medical help immediately.
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