Will wildfire smoke from Canada, Saharan dust reach Mississippi? Here's what to expect
Mississippi is in for a double whammy this week.
The first rounds of Saharan dust are set to sweep across the coast midweek. Meanwhile, smoke from wildfires in Canada is being pushed to the U.S. The haze is affecting air quality across a significant portion of the country, reaching the Gulf, including Florida.
The air quality forecast from AirNow, an Environmental Protection Agency site, says Mississippi is under a moderate air quality index for June 4.
Here's what to know about the next few days of summer weather in Mississippi, and how you can prepare for lower air quality.
As of June 3, more than 200 wildfires were burning in Canada. More than half were out of control, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.
Thousands of people have been evacuated, and some firefighters from the U.S. are going to help in Alberta and Manitoba.
Smoke has affected air quality in the northern and central U.S. for days, and several states have issued air quality alerts.
As of June 3, the smoke had drifted south and east, reaching the Eastern Coast as far south as Florida.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, most of the smoke has stayed high in the atmosphere, but it can reach the surface at night. The smoke could cause vibrant sunrises and sunsets but shouldn't be a cause for concern at ground level.
The smoke will stay through at least midweek.
A forecast created by firesmoke.ca shows Mississippi getting a more solid smoke covering on June 4 and 5.
A massive plume is set to spread over Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama around the middle of the week.
An AccuWeather forecast shows it hitting Florida on June 4 and pushing over to the Magnolia State by June 6.
The dust waves will keep coming all summer. Also known as the Saharan Air Layer, the annual weather phenomenon can help dampen hurricanes. It brings stellar sunsets and sunrises to the U.S. and can affect air quality.
Just like the name sounds like, dust and dirt from the Sahara Desert in Africa.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the dry, dusty air forms over the arid region from spring through autumn. Tradewinds can catch the dust, pushing a 2-2.5 mile thick layer in the atmosphere about a mile above the ground or ocean.
According to NOAA, it's common for Saharan dust to cross the Atlantic to the Western hemisphere. In the U.S., bands will hit about every three to five days.
It usually starts around June, and the strongest activity is from June to the middle of August.
Fact check: Magnetic residue in video is sand from Sahara, not evidence of 'chemtrails'
Yes. Smoke and Saharan dust can affect air quality. Both can trigger coughing and sinus issues for some people, especially if the coverage is thick. If you're concerned, use a mask outside and an air purifier with a filter indoors.
People with asthma or other health issues affected by air quality might want to stay inside as much as possible when the dust is heavy in your area.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Saharan dust as a form of particulate pollution. It's made of sand and minerals, but it's not the same kind of dust as the household variety with dust mites.
Smoke also has small particles that can cause eye to burn, respiratory inflammation and damage the heart and lungs. It can cause headaches and bronchitis.
Is Mississippi at risk this year? See summer wildfire forecast from AccuWeather
Sort of. It can suppress the energy needed for hurricanes to form and intensify. It's more like starving a storm than making one stop in its tracks automatically.
Large amounts of dust can keep the surface of the ocean slightly cooler, which can help prevent storms from growing or forming.
According to the National Weather Service, the lower humidity and warm, dry air can also weaken an existing storm with downdrafts or throw off the heat signature of a cyclone.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Wildfire smoke from Canada, Saharan dust heading to MS. What to expect
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