Video above: “Saharan dust is our friend” | A big dust plume heads for Florida (2024 report)
Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) – A large amount of dusty feathers drift across the Atlantic Ocean, heading towards Florida.
This has the advantage of causing gorgeous sunsets and reducing tropical development, but it also poses health risks for some.
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On Tuesday, the National Weather Service, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, reported hazy skies and conditions that could exacerbate allergies and cause problems for sensitive groups.
What is Saharan dust?
According to NOAA, the Sahara air layer, commonly known as Saharan dust, is attributed to ripples in the air. The dry air and strong wind blankets travel thousands of miles through the Atlantic Ocean and create a less favorable environment for tropical cyclones to form.
That’s good news for us, as the predicted “above average” hurricane season is only a few days away.
Dust in Saharan is common during this period. The plume usually starts in mid-June and runs until mid-August, peaking somewhere in the middle. According to NOAA, dust plumes appear to sink rapidly after mid-August.
Dust plumes block sunlight from reaching the ocean. Dry air prevents potential tropical systems from obtaining the moisture they need to develop.
Can you see the “Sahara Dust Sunset”?
Saharan Dust interacts with sunlight to create beautiful sunrise and sunsets.
However, thick plumes can block light in part.
Thick dust feathers can lead to hazy sky. When it falls onto the surface, a layer of dust may appear.
Watch as we track the tropics on Tuesday at 12:30pm (11:30pm ET).
Get ahead of tropical development by keeping track of tropical newsletters with a 2025 hurricane guide.
