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UPI
4 hours ago
- Climate
- UPI
2 rounds of tropical trouble brewing in Atlantic
AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting a busy hurricane season, especially early on and perhaps the latter part with a lull in the middle. File Photo (2016) by Richard Ellis/UPI | License Photo While a disorganized mass of drenching showers and thunderstorms near the southeastern United States will be watched for development over the next few days, another tropical threat could emerge in the Caribbean prior to the middle of the month. "These are the areas that we would typically look for tropical development during the month of June, so it's not uncommon to see that," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. Watch the southern US Atlantic coast this week An area strewn with showers and thunderstorms stretching from the Bahamas to South Florida and Cuba will slowly drift north-northeastward into Thursday, drenching Florida, southern Georgia, and coastal areas of the Carolinas. The downpours can be beneficial for drought-stricken areas, but too much rain may fall too fast and lead to flash urban flooding. Cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida Charleston, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina should be prepared for flooding. Up to a few inches of rain can fall in as many hours on some communities. Not only is urban flooding a concern, but building seas and local onshore winds from the budding low pressure area can lead to dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion from the Florida east coast to the Carolinas. "In terms of tropical development of this feature along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast, water temperatures right along the coast are still below that critical 80-degree Fahrenheit threshold," DaSilva said, "Waters are warmer over the Gulf stream, but that is well off the coast at this time. So if this can try to develop later this week, it would probably be over that Gulf Stream and not along the immediate coast." Watch the western Caribbean next week During the second week of June, a zone farther south-over the western and central Caribbean needs to be watched closely. A slow-spinning massive low pressure area known as a gyre may develop, which can then give birth to smaller but more intense areas of low pressure that can evolve into tropical storms and hurricanes. "What's going to happen is that the Central American gyre is finally going to develop in the next week or so. When you see trade winds coming from the east, and then you actually see some winds coming from the west down here, that kind of turns a big area of low pressure down here," DaSilva said. The waters are plenty warm in the Caribbean to foster and sustain tropical development. "The timing we are looking at for possible tropical development in the central and western Caribbean is June 7-12 or perhaps a bit later," DaSilva said. "Should a tropical depression or storm take shape early next week, it may be more likely to track into the Gulf and then perhaps swing towards Louisiana or Florida," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said, "Should it wait till later next week or perhaps hold off until nearly the middle of the month, steering breezes would be more likely to take it into southern Mexico or Central America." AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting a busy hurricane season, especially early on and perhaps the latter part with a lull in the middle. Between three to six direct impacts on the United States are anticipated.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Massive Saharan dust plume headed toward Florida. Will it affect Sarasota, Bradenton area?
A massive plume of Saharan dust about 2,000 miles wide from west to east is headed for Florida. The dust is expected to reach the Gulf Coast, including Sarasota, Bradenton and Manatee County, as early as Wednesday, June 3. Saharan dust moving across the Atlantic from Africa isn't unusual. Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to subside after mid-August. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location It helps prevent hurricanes from developing or strengthening and provides some vivid sunrises and sunsets. Here's what to know about the Saharan dust moving toward Sarasota-Manatee: "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. "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." Tuesday morning, the highest concentration of Saharan dust is located over Puerto Rico, said Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay in a phone interview. "It'll be heading our way over the next couple of days, but a factor for us is an upper-level low in the Gulf of America bringing tropical moisture over us. So we'll see a lot of showers and cloud cover. The dust may be over us but it won't be as noticeable unless there's a break in the clouds. Early in the weekend, while there may be less dust over Southwest Florida, it may be more noticeable as the upper-level low moves out." The same weather conditions bringing the Saharan dust into Florida is helping push smoke from the Canadian wildfires away from the Sunshine State. "The Canadian wildfire smoke is definitely into north central Florida and the Panhandle," Van Dillen said. "All the storms Monday afternoon in South Florida has essentially 'washed' it out of the air, no worries there for smoke. It looks like the smoke hangs out through Tuesday morning until it rushes north and out; that wind shift will actually usher in the Saharan dust. "Smoke is noticeable in north Florida now (late Monday, June 2) but not as thick as neighbors to the north in Georgia and South Carolina. Air quality alerts were posted for the poor air resulting from the smoke and ozone combining from the warm air." Tallahassee, central Panhandle: The smoke "is pretty high up in the atmosphere and thus at this time, does not appear it will be of a high concern," Bowser said. "We do not suspect people will experience a significant smokey smell. A very slight haze may be seen with this, but due to how high up in the atmosphere it is, we are not expecting much in the way of significant visibility restrictions. At this time, the smoke is located across Georgia/Alabama." North, Northeast Florida: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires was high over Northeast Florida, not at ground level, during the weekend, bringing hazy skies, Hess said. A front that moved through the area has since pulled the smoke back north. East, Central Florida: The smoke is expected to hold just north of us, Haley said. "We may get a little smoke Monday and Tuesday in the upper levels, several thousand feet up, but the winds moving the dust over us are keeping the smoke away." South Florida: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires aren't expected at this time to affect South Florida, Baxter said. West coast, Southwest Florida: Meteorologists were watching the Canadian smoke over the weekend as winds brought it into North Florida. "We don't think we'll see the smoke down here at least in the next week," Shiveley said. 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 Sarasota, Manatee County 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. Can't see the map? 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 Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Saharan dust Florida: Sarasota, Bradenton impact map, tracker
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
2 rounds of tropical trouble brewing in Atlantic
While a disorganized mass of drenching showers and thunderstorms near the southeastern United States will be watched for development over the next few days, another tropical threat could emerge in the Caribbean prior to the middle of the month. "These are the areas that we would typically look for tropical development during the month of June, so it's not uncommon to see that," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. Watch the southern US Atlantic coast this week An area strewn with showers and thunderstorms stretching from the Bahamas to South Florida and Cuba will slowly drift north-northeastward into Thursday, drenching Florida, southern Georgia, and coastal areas of the Carolinas. The downpours can be beneficial for drought-stricken areas, but too much rain may fall too fast and lead to flash urban flooding. Cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina; should be prepared for flooding. Up to a few inches of rain can fall in as many hours on some communities. Not only is urban flooding a concern, but building seas and local onshore winds from the budding low pressure area can lead to dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding, and beach erosion from the Florida east coast to the Carolinas. "In terms of tropical development of this feature along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast, water temperatures right along the coast are still below that critical 80-degree Fahrenheit threshold," DaSilva said, "Waters are warmer over the Gulf stream, but that is well off the coast at this time. So if this can try to develop later this week, it would probably be over that Gulf Stream and not along the immediate coast." Watch the western Caribbean next week During the second week of June, a zone farther south-over the western and central Caribbean-needs to be watched closely. A slow-spinning massive low pressure area known as a gyre may develop, which can then give birth to smaller but more intense areas of low pressure that can evolve into tropical storms and hurricanes. "What's going to happen is that the Central American gyre is finally going to develop in the next week or so. When you see trade winds coming from the east, and then you actually see some winds coming from the west down here, that kind of turns a big area of low pressure down here," DaSilva said. The waters are plenty warm in the Caribbean to foster and sustain tropical development. "The timing we are looking at for possible tropical development in the central and western Caribbean is June 7-12 or perhaps a bit later," DaSilva said. "Should a tropical depression or storm take shape early next week, it may be more likely to track into the Gulf and then perhaps swing towards Louisiana or Florida," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said, "Should it wait till later next week or perhaps hold off until nearly the middle of the month, steering breezes would be more likely to take it into southern Mexico or Central America." AccuWeather meteorologists are expecting a busy hurricane season, especially early on and perhaps the latter part with a lull in the middle. Between three to six direct impacts on the U.S. are anticipated. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Giant plume of Saharan dust to hit US. What does it mean for tropical storm development?
A plume of dust from the Saharan Desert is expected to sweep across the Gulf Coast this week, bringing hazy skies and reduced air quality to millions from Texas to Florida. While the heaviest concentrations are forecast for the southeastern U.S., the eastern half of Texas, particularly the stretch from Houston to Dallas, will still see dust-laden skies beginning this weekend. Fortunately for Texans, the dust isn't expected to be as dense as in other states, though it may still pose discomfort for those with respiratory issues. It's also fortunate for residents of Florida and other Gulf Coast states — where the National Hurricane Center is monitoring a tropical system that has the potential to develop — as the dust could suppress and weaken the system that's right off the southeastern United States coastline. This refers to the dust carried by winds across the Atlantic from the Sahara Desert. Thunderstorms in the Sahara region stir up dust and push it into the atmosphere. The dust is then transported across the Atlantic and deposited in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. While it primarily affects Puerto Rico, it can also reach states such as Florida and Texas. According to the CDC, Saharan dust transported to the United States is a normal occurrence, especially from late June to mid-August. While Saharan dust can lead to hazy skies and poor air quality across parts of the Gulf Coast, it also plays a significant role in shaping tropical weather patterns, often for the better, at least in terms of storm suppression. Alex DaSilva, hurricane expert for AccuWeather, previously told USA TODAY that Saharan dust can act as a natural deterrent to tropical storm development. 'It basically can choke off these systems because, again, they want plenty of moisture, and when you're taking the moisture away, it makes it harder for thunderstorms to develop," DaSilva previously told USA TODAY. In addition to drying out the atmosphere, the dust also increases wind shear and atmospheric stability — two other key factors that can hinder storm formation. Although Saharan dust was crossing the Atlantic during the intensification of Hurricane Beryl, the storm was able to strengthen because it developed ahead of the densest plume of dust. This placed it in a pocket of relatively moist, unstable air — the kind of environment tropical systems need to grow. A light layer of Saharan dust is expected to settle over South Texas on Monday, drifting north into the Dallas-Fort Worth area by Tuesday. Conditions should clear briefly on Wednesday before a thicker wave moves in Thursday and Friday. Another round is possible over the weekend or early next week. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is Saharan dust? How it may impact tropical system near Florida
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Massive Saharan dust plume headed toward Florida. How will it affect Naples, Collier County?
A massive plume of Saharan dust about 2,000 miles wide from west to east is headed for Florida. The dust is expected to reach the Gulf Coast, including Naples and Collier County, as early as Wednesday, June 3. Saharan dust moving across the Atlantic from Africa isn't unusual. Activity usually ramps up in mid-June, peaks from late June to mid-August, and begins to subside after mid-August. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location It helps prevent hurricanes from developing or strengthening and provides some vivid sunrises and sunsets. Here's what to know about the Saharan dust moving toward Southwest Florida: "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. "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." "The front draped over South Florida causing all the storms right now (Monday afternoon) is expected to dissipate through Tuesday. The dust is forecast to move over us toward the middle to end of the week, reducing thunderstorm chances but not eliminating them. Expect murky skies and nice sunsets when the dust arrives Wednesday morning before departing Thursday evening and into Friday morning," said Barry Baxter, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Miami, in a phone interview Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning, the highest concentration of Saharan dust is located over Puerto Rico, said Stephen Shiveley, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay in a phone interview. "It'll be heading our way over the next couple of days, but a factor for us is an upper-level low in the Gulf of America bringing tropical moisture over us. So we'll see a lot of showers and cloud cover. The dust may be over us but it won't be as noticeable unless there's a break in the clouds. Early in the weekend, while there may be less dust over Southwest Florida, it may be more noticeable as the upper-level low moves out." The same weather conditions bringing the Saharan dust into Florida is helping push smoke from the Canadian wildfires away from the Sunshine State. "The Canadian wildfire smoke is definitely into north central Florida and the Panhandle," Van Dillen said. "All the storms Monday afternoon in South Florida has essentially 'washed' it out of the air, no worries there for smoke. It looks like the smoke hangs out through Tuesday morning until it rushes north and out; that wind shift will actually usher in the Saharan dust. "Smoke is noticeable in north Florida now (late Monday, June 2) but not as thick as neighbors to the north in Georgia and South Carolina. Air quality alerts were posted for the poor air resulting from the smoke and ozone combining from the warm air." Tallahassee, central Panhandle: The smoke "is pretty high up in the atmosphere and thus at this time, does not appear it will be of a high concern," Bowser said. "We do not suspect people will experience a significant smokey smell. A very slight haze may be seen with this, but due to how high up in the atmosphere it is, we are not expecting much in the way of significant visibility restrictions. At this time, the smoke is located across Georgia/Alabama." North, Northeast Florida: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires was high over Northeast Florida, not at ground level, during the weekend, bringing hazy skies, Hess said. A front that moved through the area has since pulled the smoke back north. East, Central Florida: The smoke is expected to hold just north of us, Haley said. "We may get a little smoke Monday and Tuesday in the upper levels, several thousand feet up, but the winds moving the dust over us are keeping the smoke away." South Florida: Smoke from the Canadian wildfires aren't expected at this time to affect South Florida, Baxter said. West coast, Southwest Florida: Meteorologists were watching the Canadian smoke over the weekend as winds brought it into North Florida. "We don't think we'll see the smoke down here at least in the next week," Shiveley said. 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 Collier County 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. Can't see the map? 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 Naples Daily News: Saharan dust in Florida: Naples, Collier County impact map, tracker
