Noticing a hazy look in Florida’s usually blue skies? It could be dust transported from the African desert of the Sahara, which makes the journey up to the southeastern states.
The first Saharan dust plume to hit Florida this summer is headed our way this weekend and has the potential to impact air quality and affect our usual hues in the sky.
Forecast models from the National Hurricane Center show the dust could hit Florida and the entire Gulf Coast throughout the next week. In addition to poor air quality and less colorful sunsets, communities will continue to see warm temperatures and reduced rainfall.
What is the aerial layer of the Sahara?
According to NOAA, the Saharan Air Layer is a very dry, dusty mass of air that forms over the Sahara Desert. It typically forms during late spring, summer, and early fall, moving over the tropical North Atlantic Ocean every three to five days.
It carries over 66 million tons of dust annually over the ocean and the Americas.
What causes the Sahara air layer?
Saharan dust explosions can form when ripples in the lower-middle atmosphere, called tropical waves, move along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and kick up large amounts of dust into the atmosphere.
As SAL crosses the Atlantic, it usually occupies a layer of atmosphere more than 2 miles thick with its base starting about 1 mile above the surface, NOAA explains. The heat, dryness, and strong winds associated with the layer have been shown to suppress the formation and intensification of tropical cyclones.
Is it normal that Saharan dust regularly crosses the Atlantic?
Its activity usually increases in mid-June and peaks from late June to mid-August, with new outbreaks occurring every three to five days.
During the peak period, it is common for some outbreaks to reach as far west as Florida, Central America, and even Texas and cover large swathes of the Atlantic (sometimes as large as the lower 48 United States).
How does the Saharan air layer affect weather and climate?
According to the National Weather Service, there are three characteristics of these “SAL” outbreaks that can affect tropical cyclones, tropical disturbances, and the general climatology of the Atlantic tropical atmosphere:
- Extremely dry air:The dry, dusty air of the Saharan air layers has about 50% less moisture than the typical tropical atmosphere. This extremely dry air can weaken a tropical cyclone or tropical disturbance by promoting downdrafts around the storm.
- East African Jet:Strong winds in the Saharan air layer (25-55 mph or 10-25 meters per second) can substantially increase vertical wind shear in and around the storm environment. This outburst of mid-level winds, typically found at an elevation of 6,500-14,500 feet (2000-4500 meters), can cause the tropical cyclone’s vortex to tilt with elevation and can disrupt the internal heat engine of the storm.
- Warm temperatures:The heat from the Saharan air layers acts to stabilize the atmosphere, which can suppress cloud formation. This stabilizing effect is produced when warm, brisk air from the Saharan air layers moves over relatively cooler, denser air. The suspended mineral dust of Saharan Air Layers also absorbs sunlight, which helps retain its heat as it travels across the Atlantic Ocean.
Is dust bad for our air quality?
Saharan dust can be harmful to health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Saharan dust worsens air quality and increases levels of particulate matter in the air.
The air has about 50% less moisture than the typical atmosphere, meaning the presence of the layer can be detrimental to cloud formation and storm activity.
What are the symptoms of Saharan dust?
Dust particles can be breathed in and enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially triggering asthma attacks in people with asthma and aggravating other respiratory conditions. Individuals with seasonal allergies can also be affected by dust, experiencing the typical symptoms of a runny nose, sore throat and itchy eyes.
Saharan dust has been linked to increased emergency room visits for:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Respiratory infections
How do I cope with the dust while it’s here?
Dr. David Corry, a professor of medicine in the section of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor, offers the following tips for staying safe while the dust is present:
- Stay indoors as much as possible while the dust is in the air or wear a mask while outside
- Run a HEPA filter indoors to purify the air, especially in the bedroom
- Patients using rescue or controller medications for pulmonary conditions should always have them on hand and use them as prescribed
- Seek professional medical attention at the first sign of breathing difficulties
- For less severe symptoms, standard anti-allergy medications such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may help
- If you have a sore throat and runny nose and aren’t sure if it’s COVID, get tested
How can I check the air quality in my region?
Air Quality Index – Current conditions
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