Giant dust storm equal the size of 48 US states likely to hit Florida this week. Is it heading your way?
The official
2025 hurricane season
has already started but in Florida there is an unusual run of dry weather as the Sunshine state took a break from the start of the wet season. This was due to a huge plume of Saharan dust that made its way to Florida last week. The dust plume could be seen from space as it traveled 5,000-miles.
Have you ever wondered how can you tell if a dust storm is heading your way, as one roughly the size of '48 US states' is set to pelt parts of America this week. Dust storms are natural phenomena which occur when large plumes of dust and dirt get swept up into the atmosphere by strong winds.
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How can you track dust storm moving across the Atlantic Ocean?
In Florida and its surrounding states, the dust storm that is currently making its way across the Atlantic is a haboob, reports LadBible. According to hurricane scientist Jason Dunion, this particular storm is a 'grand-scale
haboob
' roughly the size of the 'lower 48 states' of America.
But this is not a worrying news for the locals as dust storms and haboobs aren't uncommon during this time of the year.
Live Events
"It happens every year; some years have more dust transportation across the Atlantic than others,' Sammy Hadi, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Miami, explained to The New York Times.
Meanwhile, Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert for AccuWeather, pointed out that most people will notice a change in the atmosphere with 'more colourful sunrises and sunsets' as well as a 'milky or hazy look in the sky'.
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When a dust storm approaches, you'll likely notice the clear blue sky has been replaced by a dark cloud barrelling towards you, which is a sure signal that it's time to go indoors and shut the windows, unless you want to spend the next couple of hours unable to see and feeling like you're being repeatedly smacked in the face with dirt.
Unlike hurricanes or tsunamis, a dust storm isn't going to blow you away or destroy your house; however, they can cause adverse health issues.
According to the World Health Organisation, dust storms can lead to an increase in air pollution, leading to respiratory problems.
Inhaling dust or sand can lead to increased coughing, wheezing and respiratory tract infections - with young children and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma - at a particular risk.
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Florida thunderstorms
The dusty air mass that made its way to Florida last week is hanging about 10 to 20,000 feet in the air and will gradually move out as a tropical air mass returns.
Combined with added moisture from the sea breeze, weather conditions will soon begin to feel much more like a regular Florida summer. Rain and storm chances are set to rise on Tuesday, with a few stray downpours in the morning before more widespread storms develop by the afternoon.
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Where in Florida will thunderstorms hit?
Most of the state will see a return to the regular wet season this week, reports The Irish Star. Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville are all forecast to experience a stray thunderstorm this afternoon.
Thunderstorms and showers are forecast throughout the rest of the week and into next week as temperatures sit at around 91F. Miami, however, will avoid most of the stormy weather. Some brief showers are forecast throughout the rest of the work week but the sun is set to return at the weekend and will stick around until the middle of next week. Temperatures will be slightly cooler at around 86F.
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