WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Saharan Dust Returns to South Florida This Week: Here’s What It Means for Rain Chances
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
A new plume of Saharan dust is making its way across the Atlantic and is expected to arrive in South Florida this week, bringing hazy skies, vibrant sunsets, and a temporary decrease in thunderstorm activity. While the dust won’t completely eliminate rain chances, it is expected to suppress the development of widespread showers and thunderstorms for several days.
What Is Saharan Dust?
Every summer, strong winds lift millions of tons of dust from the Sahara Desert in North Africa and carry it thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Known as the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), this mass of very dry, dusty air regularly reaches the Caribbean, the Gulf, and Florida during hurricane season. Although it may leave a thin layer of dust on your car, its biggest impact is on our weather. Why Does Saharan Dust Reduce Rain? The Saharan Air Layer is much drier than Florida’s typical tropical air. As the dust moves overhead, it introduces dry air into the middle levels of the atmosphere. That dry air makes it more difficult for thunderstorms to grow and maintain their strength. The dust can also limit the amount of sunlight reaching the surface, slightly reducing daytime heating. Since Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms rely on intense sunshine, warm temperatures, and abundant moisture, a layer of Saharan dust can make storms fewer and farther between. That doesn’t mean rain is impossible. A few afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms can still develop, especially along the sea breeze, but widespread storm coverage is expected to be lower than what we typically see in early July.
One of the most noticeable effects of Saharan dust is the appearance of the sky.
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
- Hazy or milky skies during the day.
- Reduced visibility, especially looking toward the horizon.
- Deep orange and red sunrises and sunsets.
- More colorful skies during twilight.
- The dust particles scatter sunlight differently than normal, creating some of the most spectacular sunsets of the summer.
Air Quality Concerns
Most people won’t notice any significant health impacts, but the dust can temporarily reduce air quality.
Those most likely to be affected include:
- People with asthma.
- Individuals with allergies.
- Anyone with chronic respiratory conditions.
If you’re sensitive to airborne particles and notice worsening symptoms, it may be a good idea to limit prolonged outdoor activity during periods of thicker dust.
A Bonus During Hurricane Season
While Saharan dust can make the sky look hazy, it also plays an important role during hurricane season.
Tropical Satellite.(WPEC)
The dry air and stronger winds associated with the Saharan Air Layer often make it more difficult for tropical systems to organize and strengthen. While the dust doesn’t prevent hurricanes altogether, it can temporarily create a less favorable environment for tropical development across portions of the Atlantic.
How Long Will It Last?
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
The dust plume is expected to remain over South Florida for several days before gradually thinning early next week. As the dust moves away and tropical moisture returns, afternoon thunderstorm chances are expected to increase once again. Below is a timeline of what the forecast models are depicting with our plume of Saharan Dust.
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
Dust is expected to move into S. Florida this week.(WPEC)
