Latest news with #SAL
What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
This is the perfect pool day for keeping cool this summer in Dubai
No matter how many times I drive up to the Burj Al Arab, I'm always in awe. The way the sail-shaped façade of this iconic '7 star' hotel looms into view as you cruise over the bridge, the sparkling Arabian Gulf on either side adding further allure to the serene setting. It's a suitably glamourous entrance that sets the tone for an array of Michelin-pedigree restaurants, opulent suites and a lavish spa. But we're not here for any of those today. Instead, we bundle into a buggy waiting to welcome us at the entrance for SAL, the chic Mediterranean concept that unrolls against the terrace at the back of the hotel. Despite the climbing temperatures, a welcome breeze dances off the ocean and across the terrace, and as we walk down towards the pools it feels like we're leaving the humid city behind for a serene seaside oasis. With the Burj Al Arab behind you, you face towards endless blues. A bridge over the family-friendly freshwater pool leads to the mirrored restaurant on the right, and neat rows of loungers on the left, then opens up to the adults-only infinity pool, which stretches the entire length of the terrace, seemingly dropping into the Arabian sea beyond. We settle into loungers, already laid out with smart navy towels and white pillows in cotton cases that are plump and luxurious. A fresh coconut (Dhs60) is a refreshing way to keep cool as we take in the views. But we're regularly approached with amenities like cold towels and detox shots to keep us hydrated. While many of its beach club rivals favour loud DJ sets and exuberant entertainment, SAL favours a quiet luxury approach, and that's all part of its appeal. Chilled house beats enhance the ambience, but at a welcome background level that allows guests to relax and socialise. There's an extensive Mediterranean served poolside, but for lunch we choose to dine at the restaurant. It still benefits from those same endless blue views, but with the bonus of AC while we dine. The standout starter is the delicately plated wild crab (Dhs105), a flavour sensation of pickles, paprika and mayonnaise. The lobster linguine (Dhs250) is a stellar choice for main – a generous portion that gets the ratio of freshly made pasta and meaty lobster just right. We also try the tender and delicious grilled lamb chops (Dhs190), simply seasoned with harissa. For dessert, the pistachio (Dhs70) gelato is rich and creamy, a welcome crunchy from the caramelised pistachio pieces adding great texture to an indulgent dessert. Verdict: Pool day perfection at an iconic Dubai hotel SAL, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, pool 10am to 7pm, restaurant 12.30pm to 10.15pm daily, pool passes Dhs500 with Dhs250 redeemable Monday to Thursday, Dhs800 with Dhs400 redeemable Friday to Sunday. Tel: (800) 323232. @sal_burjalarab > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Saharan dust plume coming to Florida's air. Is it dangerous? How to protect yourself
Floridians may be treated to brilliant sunsets soon as two huge plumes of Saharan dust blow over the state, starting at the end of May. But for some people, dust in the air can mean anything from an itchy throat to more serious, lasting conditions. Every year from around June to September, a mass of sand, dirt and dry, dust air from the North Africa desert is pulled into the atmosphere to blow west. It's called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), and it can help keep the hurricane season calmer as it dries out the air over the Atlantic and Caribbean basins. It's a thin layer, and many people may not even notice it other than marveling at the suddenly more vibrant skies at dusk. But it's still dust. Particulate matter is not good for human lungs. "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. Studies have shown dramatically increased admissions to emergency rooms for asthma, pneumonia, heart failure and respiratory events during dust storms. A 2020 study in Miami showed a marked increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ER visits during a Saharan dust event. Here's what to know. "People with respiratory conditions, like asthma and COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), are especially vulnerable," Gurevich said. "Exposure to the dust can trigger asthma attacks or COPD flare-ups, leading to serious symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing, and sometimes sever enough to require an ER visit." Saharan dust can also affect people living with heart disease or diabetes, and it's especially risky for babies, children, pregnant women and older adults. The effects can last for weeks after exposure, Gurevich said. Gurevich suggests staying indoors on bad days with poor air quality, with the windows closed and the air-conditioner running. Air purifiers can help, especially if fitted with HEPA filters. "If you need to go outside, consider wearing a dust or surgical mask," he said. "And if you're driving, make sure to keep the windows up and the AC on to help filter the air." If you have a respiratory condition, keep your inhalers and medications with you and ready to use at all times, If you're with someone who has asthma, especially younger children or older adults, keep an eye on them as they may not recognize or speak up about their symptoms right away. Extra precautions should be taken for children, who are more susceptible to poor air quality, according to the American Lung Association. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in more air (and consequently more pollution) for their size than adults. And don't forget your pets. You can track air quality in your area at Even healthy people may experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath during times of heavy dust. The symptoms should fade once you remove yourself from the area or the air quality improves. "If you notice difficulty breathing, wheezing or tightness in the chest, or if your inhaler isn't helping like it should, don't wait for symptoms to worsen," Gurevich said. "Seek medical care right away. The longer you wait, the harder and more dangerous it is to treat." If you're not sure, the American Lung Association's Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists and is a free resource to answer any questions about the lungs, lung disease and lung health, including how to protect yourself during days of poor air quality. Particle pollution is ranked based on the size of particulate matter (PM) — a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets — in the air, according to the EPA. It's also called particle pollution. Particle pollution is ranked as: PM10: Inhalable particles with diameters generally 10 micrometers and smaller PM2.5: Fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. That's 30x smaller than the diameter of the average human hair. The microscopic solids and droplets can get into the lungs and possibly the bloodstrea This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Saharan dust to sweep over Florida. Here's how to protect your airways
Scientific American
3 days ago
- Climate
- Scientific American
Sahara Dust Clouds Are Heading to Florida and Beyond
Clouds of dust blown off the Saharan Desert into the southeastern U.S. could affect local weather and make sunrises and sunsets particularly vivid By Meghan Bartels edited by Clouds of dust drifting from the Sahara Desert over the Atlantic Ocean could make for unusual-looking sunrises and sunsets, as well as potentially drier weather, over Florida and parts of the southeastern U.S. in the coming days. What's Happening Between late spring and early fall, dust from the Saharan gets blown out over the Atlantic Ocean every three to five days. When conditions are right, air masses that are filled with this dust can make it across the thousands of miles required to reach North America. Meteorologists call this type of air mass the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. Currently, on Friday, a thin SAL is dispersing over Florida, says Ana Torres-Vazquez, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Miami office, who adds that this could interfere with some storms carried into the peninsula by a cold front on Saturday. Another layer of dust—this one thicker and denser—may then blow in next week, although that forecast is currently less certain, Torres-Vazquez notes. It's worth noting that the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1. In general, the SAL tends to dry the atmosphere it drifts through—so some scientists think these dust clouds may actually impede hurricane development. For now, however, forecasters aren't expecting any tropical storms to develop in the Atlantic within the coming week. Sunrise, Sunset The effect that will be most noticeable to local residents as the dust lingers might be unusual sunrises and sunsets. 'When you have Saharan dust or any other kind of particulate, if the sun is coming in at an angle, like during sunrise or sunset,' Torres-Vazquez says, 'it can hit those particulates that are close to the ground just right and result in those different, kind of orangey-reddish colors.' Other parts of the country might also see enhanced sunrises and sunsets during the coming days from a different kind of particulate—wildfire smoke. Canada is experiencing yet another brutal year for wildfires, with nearly 700,000 hectares, or more than 2,500 square miles, burned to date. Right now fires are particularly bad in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, in part because of high temperatures stuck over central Canada. Smoke from these blazes is expected to reach U.S. states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, in the coming days. Depending on how close the dust and smoke get to Earth's surface, these kinds of particulate matter can be harmful to people's health, particularly for people who are very young or very old and those who have asthma or heart or lung disease. The Air Quality Index can help you gauge whether you should take any precautions.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Massive Saharan dust plumes will spice up Florida's sunsets starting on Saturday
Two massive plumes of Saharan dust are making their way toward the Gulf from the Atlantic. The first will reach South Florida by Saturday before scattering. The second plume will reach the Florida Panhandle near the end of next week, according to AccuWeather. Saharan dust is a natural phenomenon that occurs every year, typically starting late in the spring and ending in the early fall. It's characterized as a mass of dry, dusty air called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), and it can help limit storm development as it coincides with hurricane season. Most people aren't likely to notice when Saharan dust reaches them. This time will be no different as AccuWeather meteorologists predict that the dust is likely to float around in the upper atmosphere. Saharan dust, also referred to as the Saharan Dust Layer (SAL), is an outbreak of dust from the Sahara Desert that has been kicked up about a mile into the air by tropical waves in the Atlantic. The layer of dust is about 2 to 2.5 miles thick, according to NOAA, and consists of warmth, dryness and strong winds that carry it westward over the Atlantic to North America. When plumes get large enough, it can impact the lower 48 states. The first, smaller dust plume will reach South Florida on Saturday but will scatter as it approaches the Gulf Coast, according to a NASA forecast model. The larger plume of Saharan dust will engulf the entire state of Florida, stretching eastward across Louisiana into Texas and northward into Georgia, by June 4. A good Florida sunset can stop anyone dead in their tracks, and next weekend will probably be full of them—provided the weather holds up. Given how high in the atmosphere Saharan dust sits, it can create vibrant sunsets and sunrises due to the way it scatters sunlight. During the day, at most, the sky could have a hazy white appearance if there are large enough quantities. Satellite imagery shows that the lighter plume of Saharan dust is currently spread out along the Caribbean Sea. The second plume has extended just off the western African coast. Saharan dust, more often than not, sticks to the upper atmosphere, where it poses little threat. When the dust does fall, its effects are similar to any other type of dust. People who already experience underlying lung conditions are at increased risk of complications. According to the American Lung Association, wheezing and coughing could be indications that you're experiencing elevated levels of dust exposure. To protect yourself, you should stay indoors and wear a face covering if you have to go outside. Storms and Saharan dust tend not to play well together. In the Atlantic, hurricanes often start as tropical waves that form off the western African coast, following the same trail as the SAL. It's a tough journey for the wave that requires a lot of warm water and moist air to fuel it. Enough Saharan dust in the atmosphere can interrupt this process by stealing all of the moisture, providing Caribbean and Gulf Coast residents some relief during hurricane season. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Massive Saharan dust plumes will bring vibrant Florida sunsets
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
What is the Saharan dust layer? What it means for hurricanes, weather in Florida
Saharan dust is back! A plume of dust carried by the wind all the way from the Sahara Desert is traveling thousands of miles through the atmosphere and is expected to skim over south Florida this week. During the late spring, summer and early fall, bursts of dust from the Saharan Desert are picked up by wind and form a big mass of dry, dusty air that sits about a mile up in the atmosphere at its lowest point. This mass of dry, dusty air is called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), and its activity ramps up from mid-June through mid-August, when it moves over the tropical North Atlantic Ocean every three to five days. 'During this peak period, it is common for individual SAL outbreaks to reach farther to the west — as far west as Florida, Central America and even Texas — and cover extensive areas of the Atlantic (sometimes as large as the lower 48 United States),' NOAA's guide to the Saharan Air Layer says. This layer of dust can be good for keeping the tropics calm during hurricane season, but it can also affect people with allergies or respiratory issues. Here's what Saharan dust is, when the next plume is expected in Florida and how it affects hurricane formation. The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is a yearly phenomenon in which plumes of dust from the Sahara Desert are picked up by the wind and 'ride' it across the ocean, being carried thousands of miles west. 'SAL outbreaks can form when ripples in the lower-to-middle atmosphere, called tropical waves, track along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert and loft vast amounts of dust into the atmosphere,' NOAA says. 'As the SAL crosses the Atlantic, it usually occupies a 2 to 2.5-mile-thick layer of the atmosphere with its base starting about 1 mile above the surface. The warmth, dryness and strong winds associated with the SAL have been shown to suppress tropical cyclone formation and intensification.' When it's present in the atmosphere, Saharan dust can make the sky look hazy and bring vibrant sunrises and sunsets. The most recent plume of Saharan dust has yet to hit Florida, but is expected to sometime late Friday night, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. 'The first rounds of Saharan dust are set to sweep over Mississippi and the Gulf Coast this weekend and in the first week of June. They'll keep coming all summer,' the Mississippi Clarion Ledger reported on Wednesday, May 28. Tropics watch: Tropical Storm Alvin may form in Pacific as National Hurricane Center tracking 2 waves When Saharan Dust mixes with rain, it makes "dirty rain." Like Saharan Dust, 'dirty rain' isn't toxic or dangerous, but can irritate you if you have pre-existing respiratory issues. 'Dirty rain' is just dust mixed with water and can leave a muddy residue behind on any exposed surfaces it falls on. You might remember the news talking about Saharan Dust and "dirty rain" in July last year. 'For Floridians, Saharan dust has helped quiet storm development in the Atlantic Ocean during the first half of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season,' the Pensacola Journal reported on July 22, 2024. While Saharan dust helped keep the first part of the 2024 hurricane season fairly calm, it didn't set the tone for the latter half of the season, which brought several major, devastating storms to the southeast late in the season. While there is Saharan dust present in the tropics, it has the power to stop new storms from forming and weaken already-existing storms. This is because tropical storms need warm, wet air to thrive and the dryness of the SAL undercuts the ideal conditions needed for storms to form and thrive as it passes over the Atlantic. Other than impacting the tropics, Saharan dust can also affect people with allergies. Since the Saharan Air Layer brings dry, dusty conditions, people with allergies might see a flare up when Saharan dust reaches Florida. The presence of extra dust and dryness in the air can irritate or inflame any existing allergies or respiratory issues you might have, like asthma. If you want to minimize the amount of mud or dust you inhale or have a pre-existing respiratory issue, avoid spending a lot of time outside or wear a face mask if you're out for an extended amount of time. 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 Fort Myers News-Press: Saharan coming to Florida: How it affects hurricane season
