Latest news with #AlexDaSilva
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Saharan dust to cause hazy skies in US, check out map showing which areas could be impacted this week
Forecasters have said that clouds of Saharan dust carried by winds across the Atlantic Ocean could cause hazy skies over parts of Florida, the Southeast, and the Gulf Coast this week, as reported by Newsweek. Health officials have warned that deteriorating air quality is likely to pose health risks to the public, especially to sensitive groups like children, older adults, and people with preexisting conditions. Meanwhile, AccuWeather has shared a map showing which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week. Take a look: AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said, in an advisory shared with the outlet, "This is the biggest Saharan dust plume that we've seen so far this year. It is very common to see large plumes of Saharan dust coming across the Atlantic toward the United States in June and July." "Many people will notice more colorful sunrises and sunsets, and a milky or hazy look in the sky,' DaSilva added. An advisory shared with the outlet also said that impacts from Saharan dust is expected to be noticeable across parts of the Southeast and Gulf Coasts by Friday, June 6. According to forecasters at AccuWeather, most of the plume would arrive in Florida by early Wednesday, June 4, and then extend across more of the Southeast by Thursday, June 5. Some areas may see dust and smoke combining and creating a hazy or dull sky. It added that the majority of Saharan dust is expected to stay suspended thousands of feet above the ground. Surface-level air quality is not expected to be hugely affected. The dust originated in the Sahara Desert. Meanwhile, various parts of the United States are also facing the effect ofwildfire smoke from Canada. This earlier prompted several air quality alerts in about a dozen states. As of early Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) had published alerts for various states, including parts of Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Which States Could Be Impacted by Saharan Dust
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Clouds of Saharan dust carried by winds across the Atlantic Ocean are expected to cause hazy skies over parts of Florida, the Southeast, and the Gulf Coast this week, according to forecasters. Why It Matters Health officials warn that deteriorating air quality poses a health risk to the public, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and those with preexisting conditions. What To Know Forecasters at AccuWeather said most of the plume would arrive in Florida by early Wednesday, extending across more of the Southeast by Thursday. In some areas, dust and smoke may combine, creating a particularly hazy or dull sky and worse air quality than if only one element were present, the outlet said, though it also said the majority of Saharan dust is forecast to stay suspended thousands of feet above the ground, with little effect on surface-level air quality. The dust originated in the Sahara Desert, AccuWeather said, where strong winds regularly blow dry air and dust westward from late spring through early fall. An AccuWeather map shows which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week. An AccuWeather map shows which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week. AccuWeather Much of the U.S. is also being impacted by wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada, which has already prompted numerous air quality alerts in roughly a dozen states. As of early Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) had published alerts for a slew of states, including parts of Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Smoke from the blazes was expected to increase the concentration of fine particulates, according to the numerous air-quality alerts, and residents in affected areas were advised to consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek on Wednesday: "This is the biggest Saharan dust plume that we've seen so far this year. It is very common to see large plumes of Saharan dust coming across the Atlantic toward the United States in June and July." "Many people will notice more colorful sunrises and sunsets, and a milky or hazy look in the sky." Today In Florida weather anchor Vivian Gonzalez said on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday: "If you suffer from respiratory issues or allergies, the air quality is moderate due to the thicker plume of Saharan Dust that has settled across South Florida. Please take the proper precautions." What Happens Next In an advisory shared with Newsweek on Wednesday, AccuWeather forecast that impacts from Saharan dust would be noticeable across parts of the Southeast and Gulf Coasts by Friday.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where 3 States Warned About Floods in the Desert
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch for desert areas in southern California, southern Nevada, and northwestern Arizona, effective Wednesday, as heavy rain puts the region at risk for flooding. Why It Matters The heavy rain comes less than a week after remnants from Tropical Storm Alvin brought a surge of moisture to Arizona. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva previously told Newsweek that the moisture was similar to the region's monsoon season, which doesn't typically begin until later in June. DaSilva said he expects more tropical storms to take a similar path as the Eastern Pacific hurricane season continues, meaning more heavy rain could be in the U.S. Southwest's future this summer. What to Know The watch is in effect for "portions of northwest Arizona, including the following areas, Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Northwest Deserts and Northwest Plateau, southeast California, including the following areas, Eastern Mojave Desert and San Bernardino County-Upper Colorado River Valley, and southern Nevada, including the following areas, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Las Vegas Valley, Northeast Clark County, Sheep Range, Southern Clark County, Spring Mountains-Red Rock Canyon and Western Clark and Southern Nye County." The flood watch will remain in effect until 11 p.m. local time. A more severe flash flood warning has been issued in Northwest Arizona. In addition to causing floods, dirt and debris may also be present on the roads due to the surge in moisture. The Mojave National Preserve also asked people to be on the lookout for desert tortoises, which emerge after rain to hydrate and eat the vegetation. More rain is expected this evening, according to the NWS, with some thunderstorms potentially producing moderate to heavy rainfall. NWS meteorologist Jenn Soulat, who works at the Las Vegas office, told Newsweek that the moisture is unusual, given Las Vegas is currently in its dry season. Soulat attributed the surge in moisture to three storm systems that interacted with each other, including the remnants of Tropical Storm Alvin. She doesn't expect the flood watches to continue throughout the end of this week and warned people that triple-digit heat will soon return. A stock photo of a thunderstorm in the desert. A stock photo of a thunderstorm in the desert. mdesigner125/Getty What People Are Saying NWS Las Vegas said in a flood watch: "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded." NWS in a forecast issued on Wednesday: "A storm system traversing the Southwest U.S. will continue to favor a regional threat of heavy showers and thunderstorms through tonight which may bring sufficient rainfall for at least scattered areas of flash flooding. This will include potential impacts to some of the area burn scar locations, local slot canyon areas, and also the normally dry washes. Up to a couple inches of new rainfall will be possible by early Thursday morning." What Happens Next The NWS Climate Prediction Center anticipates slightly above-normal precipitation for the region from June 10 to June 14, according to the six- to 10-day precipitation outlook. Normal rainfall is expected further out, for the eight- to 14-day outlook.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Where is the massive Saharan dust cloud now? How it will affect Daytona Beach
A massive dust cloud from the Sahara Desert that has swept through the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean the past couple days is now starting to spread across Florida. Saharan dust, the very dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert and moves over the tropical North Atlantic, can potentially affect an area's air quality, help curb tropical cyclones and also provide some unique sunrise and sunset views. The dust won't have much impact in the state Wednesday, June 4 because of lingering tropical moisture, but drier air from the dust should reduce rainfall in South Florida by Thursday, according to The Weather Channel. Here's what else to know about the Saharan dust coming through Florida this week. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location "We're currently seeing a massive plume of dust moving east through the Caribbean," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert, said in an email Monday afternoon. "It's about 2,000 miles wide from east to west, stretching from Jamaica all the way past Barbados. North to south, it's about 750 miles, spanning from Trinidad and Tobago in the south to north of Puerto Rico. "That gives you a sense of the scale; it's essentially a wall of dust. While it's not uncommon for dust to cross the Atlantic, this is one of the larger plumes we've seen so far this season. It's not necessarily unusual, but definitely on the stronger side." "We expect it to arrive in the U.S. late in the week. Florida could see enhanced sunsets as early as Thursday, and the dust could spread into parts of the northern Gulf Coast — places like Houston, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge — by Friday into Saturday," DaSilva said. "While it's not rare for this dust to travel across the Atlantic and affect the southern U.S., it usually only happens a couple of times a year. This appears to be the largest plume we've seen in 2025 so far." "It's an expansive plume, something that is typical for this time of year," said Fox Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said via email Monday. "It doesn't look as deep of a layer as the models had predicted last week, but it's still should be enough for Floridians to notice a haze in the air. Sunrises and sets should feature more of a darker red hue as well, stating Wednesday and peaking Friday/Saturday. The heaviest concentration of dust looks like Central Florida at this point. This will be the biggest push of Saharan dust into Florida so far this year.' Since most of the dust typically is high in the atmosphere, "it rarely causes significant air quality issues for breathing," DaSilva said. "If the dust is really thick, it can impact surface air quality, but that's uncommon." The air quality in Daytona Beach is currently 'good.' Residents can also expect thunderstorms and rain showers through Friday, June 13, according to AccuWeather. "The Saharan dust is expected to roll in mid week, becoming noticeable Tuesday or Wednesday. It'll probably linger over us for a few days, possible into the weekend," said Robert Haley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Melbourne in a phone interview Monday afternoon. "Interestingly, rain showers are expected (this week) as well. When that happens, the dust can get caught in raindrops and settle on the ground. Once it dries, it might leave a residue — brown dust on cars." Known officially as the Saharan Air Layer, Saharan dust is dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, according to the National Weather Service. As it moves off the west coast of Africa, it can travel across the North Atlantic, reaching Florida and the United States. The Saharan Air Layer can be 2 to 2.5 miles thick, starting about one mile above the surface. ➤ Interactive map: Check air quality in Daytona Beach area The Saharan Air Layer forms over the Sahara Desert during late spring, summer, and early fall, moving over the tropical North Atlantic every three to five days, the National Weather Service said. Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to rapidly subside after mid-August. "During the peak period, individual Saharan Air Layer outbreaks reach farther to the west — as far west as Florida, Central America and even Texas — and cover vast areas of the Atlantic." Three factors associated with Saharan dust help prevent tropical cyclones from developing and, with storms already present, inhibit strengthening: Warm temperatures: The Saharan Air Layer's warmth acts to stabilize the atmosphere, which can suppress the formation of clouds. Dry air: Tropical cyclones need moisture so the dry, dusty air associated with the Saharan Air Layer can weaken a tropical cyclone. Strong winds: Strong winds in the Saharan Air Layer increase vertical wind shear in and around a storm. While Saharan dust can make the sky look hazy it can bring some stunning sunrises and sunsets. Where there is a lot of dust — or smoke — in the atmosphere, sunrises and sunsets can appear even more yellow, orange and red than normal, according to the National Weather Service. "A heavy load of dust in the atmosphere can enhance ... leads to longer-lasting, duskier colors that cause vivid sunsets and sunrises." "Saharan dust lowers air quality by increasing the concentration of mineral dust, things like silica and quartz," Dr. Samuel Gurevich, a pulmonologist with Cleveland Clinic in Florida said in an email. "These tiny particles can travel deep into the lungs and cause significant inflammation." The dust also tends to make the air drier, which can further irritate airways, Gurevich said. This might mean a runny nose or itchy eyes. "But, for people with respiratory conditions, it can cause more serious symptoms or flare ups," he said. The Daytona Beach area is currently experiencing 'good' air quality. Air quality alerts are indicators the air is unsafe to breathe for certain people. Alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution, which can irritate the lungs. We will provide tropical weather coverage daily until Nov. 30 to keep you informed and prepared. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Saharan dust cloud to pass through Daytona Beach, Florida
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Parts of US brace for 'dirty rain' as massive airborne threat chokes multiple states TODAY
A massive plume of dust the size of the US is set to drop buckets of mud from the sky on the entire Southeast. The approaching dust cloud is coming from the Sahara Desert and was formed by strong winds sweeping tiny sand and mineral particles off the surface. By Thursday, meteorologists are warning that the rain in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas could combine with the dust to create showers of 'dirty rain' throughout the region. Officials in Puerto Rico have already warned residents of poor air quality as the dust swept over the Caribbean earlier this week. The Saharan cloud made landfall in Florida on Wednesday. The AccuWeather team noted that most of the Saharan dust will likely remain thousands of feet high in the atmosphere, meaning it will have little impact on air quality at ground level. However, experts warn that as some dust travels lower in the air, it can make breathing difficult, especially for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues, because it carries fine particles that can irritate the lungs. While these dust plumes sweeping across the Atlantic from Africa are common, especially in June and July, this one is much larger than usual. AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said: 'This is the biggest Saharan dust plume that we've seen so far this year. ' This year's plume is different as it's earlier, denser, and more concentrated, with higher levels of fine particles. As a result, health officials and meteorologists are keeping a close eye on its impact. The size and intensity of these clouds vary from year to year, but scientists believe shifting wind patterns and climate change may be contributing to more frequent and powerful plumes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has estimated that over 180 million tons of dust leaves Africa every year. It results in extremely dry air that local reduces thunderstorm activity in the US and cuts down on the formation of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. If the forecasted storms in the Southeast this week overcome that dry air, it will likely mean several days of a 'muddy mix' falling from the sky. Meteorologists said that flash flooding and thunderstorms are expected throughout Florida all night on Wednesday. A slow-moving storm system will collide with the dust cloud Thursday as it moves beyond Florida, potentially bringing dust-filled showers to millions along the East Coast. At the same time, another massive plume is making its way down from Canada, filling most of the Eastern and Central US with dangerous wildfire smoke. AccuWeather has warned that air quality has already reached hazardous to dangerous levels in parts of the Dakotas, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Forecasters are also warning that New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and most of New England will experience reduced air quality as the haze from the wildfires moves east. AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said many Americans will only see the smoke cause dimmer sunsets and hazy skies, but there will still be cases where it travels closer to the ground and triggers serious breathing issues. 'There will be episodes where the smoke can reach the lower levels of the atmosphere and affect visibility and air quality,' Buckingham explained. 'That could be a safety concern for travel in extreme cases and pose health problems for some individuals with respiratory issues,' he added. The smoke is traveling east from massive forest fires in western Canadian provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. The scenes playing out this week in the northern US are similar to the apocalyptic sigh t across the East Coast in 2023, when Canadian wildfires turned the sky orange and shrouded entire city skylines. In the South, the effect of the Saharan dust cloud will have a similar impact on local skies, creating hazy skies and colorful sunrises and sunsets. People in Florida will start to see these sights starting Wednesday, with millions across the Southeast and Gulf seeing the dust-filled skies by Friday. As for the wildfire smoke in the northern half of the country, rain moving into the Upper Midwest will likely bring the smell of smoke right to people's noses, especially in Minnesota and Wisconsin. AccuWeather explained that rainfall can bring the smell of wildfire smoke down to ground level, so people standing outside when it rains will notice the odor more. However, the rainfall will also help to cleanse the air of the smoky particles and improve overall air quality in the region. Throughout the rest of summer 2025, meteorologists are expecting northern states like Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to experience the worst air quality due to the ongoing Canadian wildfires.
