Massive Saharan dust plume collides with life-threatening heat dome, trapping sweltering temps across South
A plume of Saharan dust is spreading hazy skies across Florida and the Gulf Coast through the weekend. Combined with a heat dome, it will push feels-like temperatures toward 110 degrees. The massive plume is also contributing to the ongoing pause in the Atlantic hurricane season.
MIAMI — Parts of Florida and the rest of the Gulf Coast will see more hazy skies through the weekend, due to a plume of Saharan dust that’s spreading across the region. The blanket of African dust, working together with a heat dome that’s moving into the Southeast, will combine to bring feels-like temperatures approaching 110 degrees into early next week.
The dust is also part of a massive plume stretching across parts of the Atlantic Ocean that’s contributing to the ongoing pause in the Atlantic hurricane season.
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE SAHARAN DUST PLUME
Saturday Saharan dust forecast
(FOX Weather)
The dust has traveled more than 5,000 miles across the ocean and is expected to spread across the Gulf through the weekend, reaching parts of South Texas by Monday.
SAHARAN DUST SETTLES OVER HURRICANE BREEDING GROUNDS. HERE’S WHAT IT MEANS FOR HURRICANE SEASON
The Saharan Air Layer is a mass of very dry, dusty air that forms over the African desert and is lofted high into the atmosphere by strong winds. While its dry air typically suppresses tropical storm development, it also heavily impacts Florida and portions of the Gulf Coast states with warmer temperatures and reduced air quality, the FOX Forecast Center said.
A layer of Saharan dust blanketed the Florida Everglades on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The dust acts as a thermal blanket, trapping heat and will help keep temperatures elevated through the weekend. The dust is also part of a massive plume stretching across parts of the Atlantic Ocean that’s contributing to the ongoing pause in the Atlantic hurricane season.
Dust was spotted on Florida Department of Transportation cameras over Miami on Wednesday afternoon.
FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell shared video from her airplane seat as Saharan dust blanketed the Florida Everglades on Thursday.
By Sunday, the highest dust concentration will expand across the entire Gulf of America, bringing dust to portions of South Texas on Monday.
Florida DOT cameras capture Saharan dust bringing hazy skies over Miami on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The dust is forecast to remain around the Gulf Coast and Florida through most of next week.
Beyond the vibrant sunsets and milky skies, the dust could act as a thermal blanket, allowing temperatures to soar, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Heat Alerts
(FOX Weather)
A Heat Advisory is in effect across the entire Florida Peninsula through Friday evening.
The dust is also reducing air quality across the state and could become an issue for groups with respiratory conditions this weekend.
The U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean will also be affected by the dust, with the Department of Health warning residents of the extreme temperatures and the dust.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER
FOX Weather will continue to bring you the latest forecasts and information as the dust gets closer.
